Biopsy Results

[Becky130777]

I posted recently about having tests for a possible tumour in my bronchial tube. Today I gad the bronschosopy. Which I was told by the doctor there the PET scan I had showed my lymph nodes were normal, which I took as a positive and PET scan he said showed mainly infection. But on doing the procedure he did find the blockage to be done kind of tumour. Which he was able to take a biopsy from. My question is can anyone advise what biopsy results would normally tell you, as in can it tell you if it benign or malignant and type of tumour/cancer?

[Denzie]

When you have a biopsy they have a pathologist there who does a brief evaluation before they release you. The only cells that they can usually ID right away is oat cell (also known as small cell). They can tell if it’s normal looking cells or not.

When I was diagnosed they found an enlarged node in my neck. It was biopsied and the cells appeared abnormal so they finished the evaluation and they found it was a pleomorphic tumor which is benign.

Sending hope that it all comes back benign.

[Becky130777 in reply to Denzie]

Hello Denzie many thanks for your advise.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Becky130777

It is encouraging news that your lymph nodes are normal and that the PET scan did not show anything of concern. The biopsy will analyse the tissue cells and is the most accurate way of determining if the tumor is benign or cancerous, from which there can be a treatment plan which may include just routine observation of the abnormality.

Let us know how you get on and if you would like to discuss anything else you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Support Team