MDT today- would they tell me over the phone?

[biops]

I had a biopsy done on 8/9/26, they booked in a follow up appointment for 6/10/26 but said it would likely be brought forward. That’s 4 weeks post biopsy, after being told it looked concerning and could be cancer.

I know my biopsy was being reviewed today at MDT, I was told I could chase tomorrow. Do you know if they would tell me benign over the phone? Do I have a right to know?

I just don’t want to be left hanging until 6/10, I’m going crazy, unless there is a good indication them not bringing it forward means mostly benign, I can’t do this for 2 more weeks.

Every trust does it differently - I’ve worked across 3 pre and post covid. Some send a letter if it’s nothing and then cancel the face to face appointment and book a telephone. Some appointments get moved along and then people are brought forward. I don’t want that to worry you if they didn’t cancel your appointment though as I know some trusts see everyone regardless. Clinics can be changed on the day (like if a reg joins so can see some patients giving more capacity) so it’s a moving chess board. I’d ring regularly for cancellations if you want to feel like you’re doing something active!

There should still be a plan for you if it is benign. This is the point of the MDT - find out what it is, and then discuss what they can do about it.
I would have thought you should get some answers tomorrow. I really hope you get the answers you want.

I’ve experience here. I was called post biopsy and was asked to schedule an appointment after the MDT meeting, they would not tell me anything before the appointment …. I absolutely panicked. But, it turned out the lump they biopsied was something ‘pre-cancerous’ and the MDT meeting was to decide if it was worth removing or should be monitored (it was removed). I know it’s so easy to worry & stress but remember it may well be something that is easily sortable!!

This isn’t true at all!

MDT discuss ALL patients - I was an oncology haematology nurse for years

@Reebs3234 thank you, I appreciate your responses.

Thank you. I guess this is what I needed to read along with some of the other posts, ie I can’t glean anything until I’m told definitively so stop trying to guess 🤣 it’s still all to play for so to speak.

Definitely not always the case that MDT = cancer. It does, of course, depend on the location (not saying you have to specify). But for example, if it were a biopsy from the bowel, even if it wasn’t cancer, if it were say IBD showing from the biopsy, they might meet as an MDT to discuss the way to manage the condition. Some lesions may not be cancerous but still need discussion as to whether they remove it and how to approach it. There’s lots of elements to MDT, sharing discussion on how to manage issues.
In Covid times, I had an appointment booked in very quickly after a scan and I was convinced it was bad news and I was imagining needing surgery. Turns out the consultant’s relative had Covid so she had to WFH and isolate and was just calling patients she didn’t have to see face-to-face and it was all fine, she discharged me! So not all quick follow ups are panic stations either.
OP I would definitely see if there are specialist nurses at your trust but also try MacMillan to talk things through (most trusts have their own nurses but they have a helpline and are available to call too).
Hand hold in the mean time 🙌

I have no idea but with such an apparent focus on “mental health” I cannot see how this is good for yours op?
The waiting times are far too long. I so hope you get a good outcome xx

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/contact-usMacMillan contacts

This is the link that takes you to their national number but also links in to more local services.

Sorry it’s a breast biopsy, hadn’t realised I hadn’t stipulated. It’s a lump with some accompanying pain, the radiologist said “50/50 cancer”, consultant said it looked “very concerning”. Was put on the urgent pathway but up until the ultrasound was verbally reassured it was likely benign, I’m only in my 30s.

I wasn’t given a grading but from what was said I guess U4.

I had a benign tumour that went to an MDT, there were still a few surgeons that needed to discuss how they were going to treat it. It definitely doesn’t mean it’s always cancer.

I’m guessing it’s gone to MDT because something will have to be done about it, it’s more of a case of what and when depending on what it is.

I hope you get good news soon. Fingers crossed

I had 2 breast biopsies earlier this year for a lump for suspected breast cancer I’m also in my 30’s. They scheduled an appointment during the biopsy appointment for 7 days later to give results, I got a phone call late in the afternoon the day before the results appointment after they discussed me at MDT, the pathology results were not cancer and they decided no further action needed at this stage and basically called to save me coming in. So they definitely do discuss at MDT if not cancer. Chase up tomorrow and hopefully they can give you an update, will keep fingers crossed it’s all clear

Ive had a benign breast lump go to mdt and a cancerous one. Also in 30s. I really hope its benign but if it isnt, theres lots they can do. Breast cancer treatment has come a long way. Best wishes to you op.

You can drive yourself mad trying to second guess what means good news/bad news as every trust seems to deal with things differently

I was told it was definitely cancer before the MDT, by telephone.

For another slightly-iffy but actually benign MRI scan, it went to the MDT before they confirmed benign (biopsy would be very invasive so I guess they wanted wider opinions?)

No news can be good news, or it can just be the usual NHS inefficiency.

In your shoes, I'd chase, as I suspect you're driving yourself insane with speculating - I know I was!

Thanks all, I will give it until the pm and chase. It’s going to be a long day!