Biopsy specimens are examined by pathologists, who look at the tissue sample under a microscope in order to determine if it is cancerous. It has been estimated that
1 in every 71 biopsies is misdiagnosed as cancerous when it was not
, and 1 out of every 5 cancer cases was misclassified.
Are biopsy results ever wrong?
Although tests aren’t 100% accurate all the time, receiving a wrong answer from a cancer biopsy – called a false positive or a false negative – can be especially distressing. While data are limited, an incorrect biopsy result generally is
thought to occur in 1 to 2% of surgical pathology cases
.
Are pathology reports ever wrong?
The reported frequency of anatomic pathologic errors
ranges from 1% to 43% of all specimens
, regardless of origin and disease, he said. The error rate for oncology is 1% to 5%.
How do I get a second opinion on a pathology report?
Contact the pathology department where
you will be getting a second opinion and find out exactly what the pathologist will need. Usually he or she will want the original tissue samples and any slides that were made after your biopsy or surgery.
Why would a pathologist get a second opinion?
A second opinion should be obtained by a
physician for a challenging case in an attempt to arrive at an accurate diagnosis leading to optimal treatment
. And second opinions should be requested by patients when diagnoses require life-altering therapy, to ensure accurate diagnoses and proper treatment plans.
What if the biopsy is positive?
Another important factor is whether there are cancer cells at the margins, or edges, of the biopsy sample. A “positive” or “involved” margin means
there are cancer cells in the margin
. This means that it is likely that cancerous cells are still in the body.
Do bad biopsy results come back quicker?
Most people will get the result of their breast biopsy
within 7 to 10 days
. Some people may get their results a bit sooner, and for some people it may be longer depending on whether more tests need to be done on the tissue.
What happens during a second opinion?
The process of seeking a second opinion can be as simple as getting a referral from your current doctor and making sure your health insurance will pay for it. You will need to
gather any biopsy or surgery reports, hospital discharge reports, relevant imaging tests, and information on drugs or supplements you take
.
How much does a second opinion cost at MD Anderson?
Pathologists requesting a second opinion may send the surgical material directly to us. The minimum charge for a consultation and report on referred slides prepared elsewhere is
$272
. Any additional testing that is necessary to render a diagnosis will be charged in addition to this fee.
What questions should I ask in a second opinion?
- Why is this treatment the best option for me? …
- What is your experience with this treatment? …
- Are there any alternative options? …
- What will happen if I wait or don’t have the treatment? …
- What are the risks? …
- How long can I expect the benefits of this treatment to last?
Why would a biopsy be sent for a second opinion?
When you face
a serious diagnosis like cancer or one that requires surgery
, it’s a good idea to get a medical second opinion on the interpretation of your biopsy. That second opinion can confirm the original diagnosis and treatment plan or, in some cases, change the diagnosis.
What does a pathology report reveal?
A pathology report is a document that contains
the diagnosis determined by examining cells and tissues under a microscope
. The report may also contain information about the size, shape, and appearance of a specimen as it looks to the naked eye. This information is known as the gross description.
How long does a pathologist report take?
The pathology report may be ready in as
soon as two or three days after the biopsy is
taken. If additional testing of the tissue is necessary, the report may take longer to complete (between seven and 14 days). Pathology reports are written in technical language using many medical terms.
Can a surgeon tell if a tumor is cancerous by looking at it?
Cancer is nearly always diagnosed by an expert who has looked at cell or tissue samples under a microscope. In some cases,
tests done on the cells’ proteins, DNA, and RNA
can help tell doctors if there’s cancer. These test results are very important when choosing the best treatment options.
Can a needle biopsy be wrong?
Needle biopsies take a smaller tissue sample and may miss the cancer. However, even with needle biopsies,
false negative results are not common
. One study looking at nearly 1,000 core needle biopsies found a false negative result rate of 2.2%. That’s just over 2 out of 100 biopsies.
What will a biopsy tell you?
The results help
your doctor determine whether the cells are cancerous
. If the cells are cancerous, the biopsy results can tell your doctor where the cancer originated — the type of cancer. A biopsy also helps your doctor determine how aggressive your cancer is — the cancer’s grade.
