Timescale for biopsy results?

User

Posted 21 Aug 2025 at 16:28

Hi, I am new to the forum.

I had a biopsy 10 days ago at James Cook, Middlesbrough, and was wondering if any one has a handle on how long the results will take?

The biopsy was triggered by a raised PSA (9.8) up from 2.3 in 2022 (last test), a family history of prostate cancer and changes felt during a DRE. I was "fast-tracked" and my MRI PI RADs was 4 and my radiologist said there was a lesion.

ChatGPT indicates James Cook pathology dept turn around suspected prostate cancer biopsies in 10 calendar days.

It is 20 days today since I spoke with a nurse specialist in urology who triggered the MRI and then the biopsy followed.

User

Posted 21 Aug 2025 at 19:29

Hi MattLeo,

My first biopsy took 2 weeks and was a positive that led to having my prostate removed. I had a second biopsy, for a suspected tumour in my bladder, a year later in April 2025 went on for 5 weeks before I resorted to a visit to the Urology department. That resulted in a promise that someone would phone me with the result on the same day. They did and it was a negative.

I didn't shout or get aggressive in the Urology department, but simply pointed out how long I had been waiting and how it was stopping me sleeping. I remained calm and even thanked the receptionist when she promised I would get the results on the phone. I would recommend the same approach to you but only as long as you are sure you can remain calm. My heart goes out to you as I so know how every day I didn't hear the result messed with my mind. Stay strong and I so hope you get your results soon and hope that it's good news. If not stick with us and we all will be there for you.

User

Posted 21 Aug 2025 at 19:43

Many thanks for the support and understanding. I'm glad your second biopsy was negative.

Things moved quickly after I got the PSA test results - that was a Thursday, saw GP following Monday, telephone appointment Thursday same week with urology and MRI following Monday.

MRI was booked for Thursday same week but when I arrived at hospital all the computers were down so the biopsy was cancelled. It was rebooked for following Monday, that was a week after the MRI.

So it's all been quick upto the biopsy and now time is dragging.

My older brother went through this about 15 years ago and had his prostate removed. At 73 now he needs new hips but hasn't had any further scares.

I'm just so glad I asked for a PSA test after speaking with friends who are getting six monthly tests.

Only symptoms have been peeing a lot, maybe 4 times a night, 20 to 30 a day. I take Tamsulosin.

On leave now until Tuesday but plenty planned to distract me.

Thanks again Paul.

Matthew

User

Posted 22 Aug 2025 at 07:58

Hi Matt,

I'm sorry that you're having prostate problems, but welcome to the forum, mate.

You're probably aware that your family history of the disease increases the risk to you. My dad and younger brother had it.

However, it is still possible that your elevated PSA could be caused by noncancerous prostate conditions or UTIs. Your MRI pi-rads 4 indicates that is a high likelihood of clinically significant PCa. However there have been several case of here of pi-rads 4 or even 5, being found as inflammation or benign.

Biopsy result waiting times seem to vary from hospital to hospital, but if your research reveals yours is about 10 days, I'd give them a call and chase them up.

I wish you luck with the results and please keep us updated. Whatever the outcome, you'll finds lots of help, support and guidance on here. 👍

User

Posted 22 Aug 2025 at 10:22

Thank you for your supportive words Adrian.

I hope I'm mentally prepared for positive PC diagnosis, but until I get the results I can't imagine how it might feel.

The wait for the results does give time to contemplate the outcomes, but it also allows time to catastrophising.

On leave now until Tuesday and planned enough to keep me busy. Keeping my mind on work has been a good distraction, but at times my concentration has flagged badly. I'm lucky to work at home, as does my wife, and between her support and the dogs, I'm sure I'm better off than I would have been in the office.

I do jump every time my phone rings or I get a message notification.

I was aware of my increased PC risk and regret a little not pressing for six monthly tests back in 2022 when I was previously tested. I think the limitations of the test put me off and other than peeing so much, I didn't feel I had any symptoms.

Ironically, I started a health kick before the PSA and have lost 15kg since the end of May, eating clean and going back to the gym and intermittent fasting. Trying to get back to wear I was 10 years ago and perhaps much improved fitness might be helpful if I need treatment.

Whilst my brother's prostate removal was successful, he was so unfit and unhealthy the general anesthetic nearly did for him and it was touch and go for a while.

User

Posted 22 Aug 2025 at 12:34

The hospital sent me a follow-up appointment letter 15 days after my biopsy (the actual appointment was 7 days after that).

User

Posted 22 Aug 2025 at 17:23

Hi Matt, I’m sure timescales are different depending on postcode. Due to all the publicity these days by celebs and on TV urging us to get tested, most NHS trusts are very busy. I had my biopsy on 5th June, and got results on 24th June in a face to face with the urology consultant.

Notification

Join the online community now.