February 28, 2013

Why Do Biopsy Results Take So Long? [video]

One of the most common questions I get after a surgical procedure is how long it takes before biopsy results are back... especially when a mass was removed and there is a cancer concern.

Does it take a few hours? 24 hours? Days?

Disappointingly, it can take up to 7 days if not longer.

You want to know why?

Well, rather than explaining, watch a 6-minute video that explains the numerous steps that goes into providing a diagnosis after a mass is removed... in this particular case, a neck mass though the same steps apply to any mass removed from anywhere else in the body.

Special thanks to Robin Earl who spent hours hanging out in the pathology lab video-taping all the relevant video clips as well as Fauquier Health System for allowing this video to be made!



Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Very informative. Exactly the explanation for my question.


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