Is it a bad sign if there's still no pathological diagnosis on a skin biopsy after 2 weeks?

Question

Someone close to me had a skin lesion biopsied 2 weeks ago. On a follow up visit, her doctor claims there's still no definitive diagnosis and that the specimen was forwarded to yet another lab.

If this were something innocuous like actinic keratosis, wouldn't a diagnosis have been rendered within a day or two? I'm starting to worry for her.

Answer 1

There are many types of skin lesions and many types of skin cancers. I have been treated for a few of them due to growing up in Hawaii. My doctor is one of the foremost skin cancer doctors in NYC and still his lab has trouble being certain what some of them are. It may be that it is too early for it to be diagnosed definitively. The vast majority of these lesions turn out to be non-metastatic skin caners or pre-cancerous lesions. They are generally quickly and easily treated.

Answer 2

As a rule, most skin biopsies can be read and returned to the submitting doctor within about three days. If, however, special stains are needed, or other special procedure, it might take many days more. This doesn't necessarily mean that the final diagnosis is going to be a bad one; a lot of times, the extra effort is needed to insure that the condition is benign.

Answer 3

You really need to read "Banish My Bumps" by Angela Steinberg (also available in electronic format here: http://www.banishbumps.com ). It's about how to permanently cure your Keratosis Pilaris naturally. I was able to clear my skin in only 7 days after reading this.



Stop paying paying each month good money on creams. This is exactly what the pharmaceutical industry wants you to do! They want to milk money from you each month.

Answer 4

May have been forwarded to a derm path. Believe it or not, many insurance companies require a non-derm path to read the slide first because they believe this saves money somehow.

May be in need of special stains or immunoflorescence.

Your friend is not dealing with an Actinic Keratosis (precancerous lesion)

This almost certainly represents something unusual, not necessarily dangerous.



*to answer your question, no - it's not a bad sign.



edit* you're welcome

Answer 5

No news is good news. If they were concerned, they would have fast tracked the sample through any secondary tests, chances are, they're running a "second test scam" with the sample, knowing it's fine, but sending it off anyway, so the Health Insurance people pay them again.

(That's what I'd do)

Answer 6

Perhaps it's something innocuous but rare, in which case it would still take a while to determine exactly what's going on. Just be there for her and hope for the best while preparing for the worst. Stupid advice, but that's the best I can offer...

Answer 7

I agree, it's not a bad sign. They always look for ways to save money, or get more money, but it's not a definite sign of anything. I can't really add to anything that's been said, but I'll be thinking of you and yours, and I hope everything is alright.

Answer 8

I would think this person needs to talk frankly with the doctor and get some answers!