Quick Answer
No, you typically do not get biopsy results back the same day the biopsy is performed. Biopsy samples need to be processed and analyzed in a pathology lab, which takes time. Most biopsy results take a few days to a week or sometimes longer to come back.
Detailed Answer
Getting the results from a biopsy is often an anxious waiting game for patients. However, biopsies do require time in order for the samples to be properly prepared, analyzed under a microscope, and interpreted by a pathologist. Here is some key information about the biopsy results timeline:
How Long Does It Take to Get Biopsy Results?
| Biopsy Type | Typical Turnaround Time |
|---|---|
| Skin biopsy | 3 – 5 days |
| Breast biopsy | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Prostate biopsy | 1 – 2 weeks |
| GI biopsy (stomach, intestine, colon, etc) | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Thyroid biopsy | 1 – 2 weeks |
| Lymph node biopsy | 5 – 7 days |
| Liver biopsy | 5 – 7 days |
| Kidney biopsy | 5 – 7 days |
| Bone marrow biopsy | 1 – 2 weeks |
As you can see, biopsy results rarely come back the same day. Most take several days at minimum. The exception is skin biopsies, which have the fastest turnaround.
Results for biopsies like the breast, prostate and GI tract tend to take longer because the samples require extensive preparation and thin slicing to enable microscopic analysis. Also, sometimes special stains are done on the tissue to highlight certain features. This additional processing extends the timeline.
For lymph node, liver, kidney and bone marrow biopsies, the pathologist must carefully examine the architecture and cell characteristics throughout the sample. These analyses require time.
Rarely, a preliminary result may be provided within 24 hours if there is an urgent clinical need. But full, official results still require the complete analysis.
Why Does it Take So Long to Get Biopsy Results?
There are multiple steps involved in analyzing a biopsy and generating results:
1. Sample Fixation
The tissue obtained from the biopsy must immediately be placed in a fixative solution after collection. Formalin is the standard fixative used. This preserves the sample so it does not degrade. Fixation typically takes 8-48 hours depending on the sample size.
2. Tissue Processing
The fixed sample then goes through a series of dehydration and clearing steps to remove water and prepare it for embedding. Tissue processing utilizes special equipment and takes 8-12 hours.
3. Embedding
Next, the processed tissue is embedded into a block of paraffin wax or plastic polymer to hold it firm so thin slices can be cut from it. Embedding may take 1-2 hours once the tissue is processed.
4. Sectioning
The embedded block is cut into extremely thin slices, or sections, using a precise microtome instrument. Good quality sections are crucial for diagnostic accuracy. The sections are placed on glass slides. Sectioning takes roughly 30-60 minutes per sample.
5. Staining
The thin tissue sections on the slides are then stained with various dyes to add color and contrast. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) is a common universal stain. Other special stains may also be used. Staining requires about 30-90 minutes.
6. Microscopic Analysis and Interpretation
Finally, the pathologist receives the glass slides and examines the stained biopsy sections under a microscope. They analyze the sample for any abnormalities and provide a pathology report. The analysis may take a few hours up to a full day depending on the biopsy type.
7. Report Finalization
The preliminary pathology report undergoes final editing, proofreading, formatting, and sign-out. Most reports are finalized and delivered within a few days after microscopic interpretation is complete.
So in summary, properly preparing the tissue, skillfully cutting the sections, staining, microscopically analyzing the visual details, and carefully interpreting and reporting the findings takes significant time. But this deliberate process allows for an accurate diagnosis.
When to Follow Up on Biopsy Results
Waiting for biopsy results can be difficult. These tips may help:
– Ask your doctor at the time of biopsy when to expect the results.
– Mark your calendar with the timeframe so you know when to follow up.
– Call your doctor’s office if you do not get results within the specified period.
– Do not assume that no news is good news. Contact your provider if you are concerned.
– Results sometimes take longer if more immunohistochemical staining is needed.
– Be persistent but patient if there is a delay. Biopsy analysis requires care.
– Understand that pathologists are specialized doctors who focus on this interpretation and that few other physicians can review the slides themselves. But ask general questions of your doctor if concerned.
While most biopsy findings come back within an expected timeline, don’t hesitate to communicate with your provider if you have any concerns about waiting for the results or need clarification.
How You Receive Biopsy Results
There are several ways your biopsy results may be conveyed:
Phone Call
Many providers choose to deliver biopsy results over the phone, particularly if there is an abnormal finding. This enables them to have an interactive discussion, immediately answer any questions, provide medical guidance, and offer emotional support. Results given by phone often mean concerning news must be broken sensitively and personally.
In-person Appointment
If your biopsy involved possible cancer, you will likely receive the results at an in-person visit with your doctor. This allows them to go over the findings with you in-depth, show any pathology images, determine next steps, and support you in processing the information. Complex or questionable results also often warrant follow-up face-to-face.
Patient Portal Message
For straightforward normal biopsy findings without complications, some doctors relay results through secure electronic patient portals. However, most physicians convey uncertain, unexpected, or cancer biopsy results in a more personal way.
Letter by Mail
Written letters used to be common decades ago but are rarely used now given concerns about privacy and communication delays. Certain practices may still mail simple normal biopsy results. Registered letters add security requiring a signature. But keep in mind regular mail also risks getting misplaced or lost. If your doctor uses postal mail, also request a phone call.
In most cases, you can expect either a phone call or in-person discussion to relay your biopsy results. This allows the interpersonal communication needed for discussing details and next steps, especially if findings are abnormal. But do not hesitate to proactively contact your provider if you have not received biopsy results within the expected timeframe.
Questions to Ask About Your Biopsy Results
When your biopsy results are conveyed, you will likely have many questions. Here are some important ones to consider asking:
If the Biopsy is Benign:
– What exactly does “benign” mean – is it definitively normal tissue?
– Could this benign result be a false negative missing something?
– Is there still a chance this could be cancer?
– Should I repeat the biopsy or have it reviewed by another pathologist?
– What caused the abnormality/lesion if not cancer?
– Is further medical follow-up needed?
If the Biopsy is Cancer:
– Exactly what type of cancer is it?
– How aggressive or advanced is the cancer?
– Has it spread beyond where the biopsy was taken from?
– What stage is the cancer? What are my treatment options?
– Should I seek a second opinion?
– How much experience does this facility have treating this specific cancer?
– What clinical trials may be available for my cancer type?
– What is the prognosis – chances of cure, survival statistics?
– Are there any specific genetic tests or targeted therapies relevant to my cancer?
If the Biopsy is Inconclusive:
– What does “inconclusive” mean exactly – uncertain if benign or malignant?
– Was the sample inadequate? Should the biopsy be repeated?
– What other tests can we do to clarify whether cancer is present? PET scan? MRI?
– What are the next steps we should take?
– Should we proceed as if cancer is present and begin treatment or take a watch and wait approach?
– Will a specialist be able to provide a second opinion looking at the biopsy?
Do not be afraid to ask any other questions on your mind about treatment process, side effects, clinical trials, or costs. It also helps to repeat back what you heard in your own words and have a family member or friend join you to take notes.
Conclusion
Waiting for biopsy results can produce anxiety, but most are returned within a week or two at most. The specialized tissue preparation, staining procedures, microscopic analysis, and interpretation simply require time to do properly. Keep in close contact with your medical team, ask questions, and understand the next steps for your health based on the findings. While challenging news is not what anyone hopes for, even difficult biopsy results provide valuable information to guide appropriate treatment and ensure the best outcome possible.