Is a bioposy at 6 weeks normal?

pacificnw
pacificnw Member Posts: 29 Member
in Anal Cancer #1

I haven't checked in since treatment got tough!  I guess I was hoping for a break, but of course I'm still worrying. I'm now 5 1/2 weeks out. I went to the doctor Monday and she did a rectal exam, then scheduled me next week for a bioposy. I asked if things were progressing normally as I still have pain with bm's and stools are short and narrow. She said she felt a mass where the tumor was which could be scar tissue, but she wanted to biopsy it. I thought I was going in for a quick cosult before an 8-week scope, which is what my radiation doctor told me would happen. Of course, now I am worried. Any shares would be appreciated:)

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    pacificnw

    The mass your doctor felt during the DRE could very well be scar tissue.  Since you are only about 6 weeks out of treatment, I would question a biopsy this early.  Radiation treatment can continue working for up to 6 months, so it's possible that if any cancer is remaining, it will be resolved within the next few months.  I had some residual tumor, as shown on a PET scan, that eventually melted away.  My colorectal surgeon does not do routine biopsies after treatment, especially at an early 6 weeks, unless there is overwhelming evidence that the tumor remains and did not respond to teatment.  I would recommend that you take a look at the guidelines for follow-up as per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.  Their website is https://www.nccn.org/default.aspx.

    One of the biggest issues with post-treatment biopsies is difficulty in healing.  This is just my opinion, but I think some doctors are too quick to do them right away, not giving the radiation a chance to continue working.  Just my opinion.

    Please let us know what happens.  Best wishes to you.

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    edited February 2018 #3
    Biopsy

    I have mixed feelings about biopsies. I had one soon after treatment, one 10 mos after treatment, and one almost 2 years after treatment. They do give you peace of mind when they come back cancer free but as Martha says, they take a long time to heal. After the last one I would say I had more discomfort for about six weeks. In the future I am going to specify that unless something looks really cancerous in there, I don't want a biopsy. The poor scar tissue has been through enough!

  • pacificnw
    pacificnw Member Posts: 29 Member
    #4
    Thank you Again!

    Thank you so much for your input. I did cancel the 6-weel bioposy, and just rescheduled for week 8. It has been amazing the amount of healing since week 5!

  • Mollymaude
    Mollymaude Member Posts: 431 Member
    #5
    Pacificnw

    You're welcome! Keep us updated after the biopsy if you can.

Discussion Boards