Some of you knowledgeable community members out there might be able to answer this question for me ! So what is the timeline after a biopsy with the samples taken. Let’s say you have your Biopsy on Monday 1st September, 14 core samples taken, I presume they go straight to the lab. Are they left for a week or so in a pewter dish to culture etc, or would the Pathologist start work on them straight away by examining them?
So in effect, could the Pathologist have their findings done and dusted on the Thursday 4th September and then sends the results on to the Urologist or hospital etc ?. Just fascinated to know how long the Pathologist works on the samples before their work and findings are done and results sent on the the team that are dealing with you ! Thanks.
Hello Dave HS
An interesting question. My normal reply is there are 202 (correct figure mid 2025) NHS Trusts. Take off the pure ambulance and mental health trusts and you are left with about 180. Each one goes it's own sweet way. Some have the results back in a week - some take 6 weeks or more. It depends on how busy the pathology lab is - some hospitals don't have their own!
It took 3 weeks from my biopsy to MDT meeting but I was already in hospital when I had the biopsy and cancer was confirmed from my MRI (click on my name or avatar for details). I had a face to face results meeting.
It's common practice now in many hospitals to give you your biopsy results and tell you you have cancer by telephone - some people prefer this - to me it's not right but that's just personal opinion.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
