to ask if a callback after a biopsy definitely indicates cancer?

[OhSOconfused123]

This is currently me
Very worried and tearful and want to prepare myself the best I can
Anyone been here? Would you be called in to see a consultant if the results of the biopsy were clear?

It depends what it's for I guess. I've had several boob biopsies and have been called back each time for results. I'd say it's normal to be called back to discuss results.

Yes you can be, some drs like to see patients face to face. I was asked to make an appointment with my GP for blood test results. I worried that there was something wrong, but they were normal.

It might - but no - it doesn't always mean that. I had a biopsy for a breast lump and had a call-back. Turned out it was just something called a fibroadenoma. A benign lump that means nothing, not a pre-indicator of cancer. They wanted to see me to explain what a fibroadenoma was and answer any questions I might have about it. I went through a whole rollercoaster of feeling horrendous before the result for nothing.

Gosh I thought it would be such a waste of NHS resources calling people in if the results are negative
I’m so sorry for your worry - it’s truly awful

When mine was, I got a call from the consultant, I knew it was serious without them actually saying it, they had me going the next day after the phone call with urgency. I also had to travel to the city not back to the same hospital, which was miles away, I took my mum with me.

However it is just possible they want to discuss what they found and possibly a check up if you've had surgery? I understand the panic your in, take someone or let someone know what you're going through.

I used to work in a breast clinic and patients always came back to receive their results, made no difference if their results were negative.

I just received a phone call with my negative results and told not to come in for the face to face consultants appointment that had been made directly after the biopsy.

Bonnyandpoppy
This is my worry

I asked the receptionist but apparently she does not have direct access to the results - no idea how true that is

My mum had a biopsy. It was a benign lump but they advised removal so she was called in

Not in my experience.

My mum was called back for a tumour removal. They said it wasn’t cancer but they had no idea what it was either.
I was called back for results of a scan on my ovaries I convinced myself it was a cancer. It was cysts with no further treatment.
Called back to discuss blood results as a matter of urgency. It was low iron. Apparently they were that low they were surprised I was getting through my day with minimal symptoms.

Apparently biopsy results aren't as simple as cancer or not. I had a breast lump biopsied, doctor I saw at the time was happy it was nothing sinister and said they'd ring with results. I then received an appointment for results so absolutely shit myself thinking it could only mean one thing. It turned out to be a papilloma which needed a further biopsy under general anaesthetic as they apparently can become cancerous, but ultimately nothing much to worry about. It's entirely likely yours is something similar.

Hi OP. It may be different but when I had a mole biopsy done they rang me with the results to say all was ok but different hospitals have different policies so try not too worry. They may want to see you either way to follow up. I know how difficult the wait can be though. Take care of yourself. I hope you have good news.

In my experience you will be called back if there is a need for it, otherwise it’s relegated elsewhere. If it’s very short notice and it’s the hospital calling, then I can understand and relate to your worry.

In future it’s worth asking what the next step will be and how you will hear if you have any further operations or appointments.

I hope you get good news.

My friend had a biopsy last week (brain) and had a call back appointment arranged in advance. Obviously they didn't know the outcome when the appointment was arranged.

I had one after thyroid biopsy - to tell me the sample wasn’t good enough.

@Mamamia7962

Yes you can be, some drs like to see patients face to face. I was asked to make an appointment with my GP for blood test results. I worried that there was something wrong, but they were normal.

The GP surely discussed your health though, I mean they didn't just say "your results are normal", did they? If they weren't routine bloods then maybe they wanted to discuss what had led to the tests being requested

I’ve had 2 biopsies at the breast clinic
I got a call after the first one to say I needed a different type of biopsy as the tests were inconclusive
I had to attend a face to face appointment to get the second result, which was negative

I was told when I had mine that I would be sent an appointment date to collect the results, regardless of the outcome. I appreciate this is incredibly worrying and hard to put to the back of your mind, but don’t jump to the worst conclusion just yet.

Nope, we call everyone back who's had investigation for cancer to tell them the results either way, people are smart and know what we're looking for and panic. Only fair to be told!

@OhSOconfused123

Bonnyandpoppy This is my worry

I asked the receptionist but apparently she does not have direct access to the results - no idea how true that is

It's highly likely to be true, generally staff should only have access to the information they need to do their job and her job is to make appointments.

But if she had access and told you anything she'd be putting her job at risk and rightly so. Unless the receptionist is also a qualified doctor she doesn't have enough training to understand a biopsy report or to give you meaningful advice about what the next steps might be, whether you need any follow up testing and if (IF) it is cancer what the treatment options are. She could leave you far more frightened than you need to be or reassure you wrongly and lead you to miss out on follow up you need. I know waiting is torture but trying to get the receptionist to put her job at risk is not the answer.

Sorry I wasn’t trying to put the receptionists job at risk - I just meant if it www a negative result I wish she could have told me to stop this constant worry

Had to go back for results but it wasn’t cancer but they wanted to remove the lump in case it became cancerous, I didn’t have the op and 14 years later still ok. I do have checkups

I have a call back appointment with the Breast Clinic tomorrow, absolutely dreading it. I'm hopeful it's because I have a hernia at the top of my stomach and the mammogram picked it up, but we'll wait and see. I got a letter in the post and then a call from my doctor to make sure I knew about it.

Oh..... My doctor called me yesterday to say a letter from the hospital had arrived and gave the all clear from the biopsy I had 3 weeks ago.

But...... It may just vary from Trust to Trust!!!