How long to get biopsy results?
 

Dermatologist 'shaved' 2 skin spots for biopsy and told me about 10 days for results. Seems a lengthy period. I've been down this road before - the waiting is not a pleasant time. Being a cancer survivor again would not be fun.

thanks in advance.

Three to Five days is usually expected lab time. Ten days and ya need to think. How many days does the lab need to verify that they will be reimbursed for the work. And how long does the Dermatologist have to wait before the insurance company will allow him to bill for another visit.

Having worked around a Histo Lab in the 70's the diagnosis is really easy. Back in the day you ran a slice, stained it, then took a glance under the microscope. After ya did that ya called over the Pathologist and they took a second look and signed off. Certainly it must be even easier now days.

I am a Melanoma survivor. Every time the Derm guy lops off some little gumba I cringe. Now comes the wait... RATS!

As I am sure you know...

You should not wait for the Derm Guy to find something. Check yourself often. Take pictures with a measuring device. Be sure to check under and around your genitals and in your hair. Don't forget the poop shoot. Every where! A lot of professionals don't do this even though they are paid to do it. Some times you find things and masses under the skin that are not showing yet.

My melanoma was pale and under my hair at the top of my scalp. The only way they found it was when I busted my head open after a bike accident. When my helmet shattered it cut up my scalp and when they were sewing it up the Doc said, "Oh, we better get this looked at." He could have taken the biopsy then but no, I gotta wait and recover from the accident and then go see a dermatologist 3 months latter.

Those that have been through it know, this cancer ship never ends?

I've seen results in two days (through an on-line portal). 3-5 days if I get or make a call; a week to 10 days isn't unreasonable if you get a letter from your dermatologist, who got a letter from the pathologist...

Biopsy on Mon pm. Results came on Thursday, but I got the word from Dermatology office Friday AM (not the online medical chart lab results).
So not 10 days, graciously. Only 3+ days.


Thread closed, IMHO.