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Biopsy wait times (Cornwall / Treliske)

User
Posted 14 Jan 2026 at 14:19

Hi, 


I had a biopsy 9th December 2025 and 5 weeks later I still don't have my results back. I've been given lots of excuses; firstly theres a slight delay so likely 3-4 week wait, It's delayed because of Christmas and New Year, There's been a junior doctors strike, the lab has had sickness.


Prior to my biopsy being performed I was told my likert (PRAIDS?) scale score was a 5, so there's a 95% chance I've got prostate cancer. Whilst there's plenty of information around that the wait for results should be "a couple of weeks" does anyone know how long my biopsy is valid for?


I've chased the urlogy clinic twice, each time being told "don't call us we will call you" and been meet with quite an aggresive response, in very much a "how dare I challenge them" response. They are currently unable to tell me if my test has started, if any progress has been made on the test(s) or when I can receive some results. I have escalated the issue to the trusts PALS (3 day wait...) but very much in limbo, just trying to understand if there's anything proactive I can do here, anyone had any similar experiences?


 


For Reference


My PSA was 6 and then 4 (to align with the MRI)


 

Edited by member 14 Jan 2026 at 14:47  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 15 Jan 2026 at 14:57

Sorry you're having to deal with this prolonged diagnostic stress. Fingers crossed for a healthy outcome. I had a targeted biopsy (28 cores) on December 18, and when I asked about results today I was given an appointment, presumably to give me the results, on the 11th of February. (I am in the Midlands.)


That will be close to 8 weeks. Part of me wants to think the results can't be that bad if they are taking that long to tell me.


What is bad is the stress of waiting, which is not healthy. Fortunately, Orlando is a lovely distraction (c heck out the St. Johns River if you can - a natural wonder that is navigable all the way north to Jacksonville, over 300 miles.


Stephen

Edited by member 15 Jan 2026 at 17:13  | Reason: meet community guidelines

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 09:18
I got my BP down. Two weeks no salt, well almost zero. Checked every label. Shocked at how much salt is put into food. Dropped 10
User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 11:28

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
They often have a "hard stop" threshold.


I wonder if they used one during my RARP and that's why I cant get one anymore?


Sorry, Stephen. I couldn't resist.


Joking apart, thanks for your post, mate. It's very helpful and informative. Many on here, including myself, have had treatment delays because of blood pressure issues. If you dont mind, I'll copy your reply and repost it when others have similar problems.

Edited by member 26 Jan 2026 at 11:31  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 12:56
Humour always appreciated.

And feel free to share. I'm one of the lucky few whose high blood pressure was cured with surgery (check out "Conn's Syndrome" - conn not cobb :-)

So I try to help with BP issues when I can.
User
Posted 03 Feb 2026 at 19:29

I got my biopsy results at RCH Treliske (Cornwall) today, exactly 5 weeks after the biopsy. The pathology reports in Cornwall are currently coming in at about 4 weeks (mine just missed the weekly MDT meeting so that added a week). Apparently a senior histologist has recently retired and they've not got a replacement yet which is slowing the reporting. Aside from that I must say my care has been excellent and every member of staff I've dealt with has been lovely. This site and especially the online community section has helped me as I waited for my results (positive for cancer but low grade) with peoples personal experiences so I've signed up to add mine.

User
Posted 04 Feb 2026 at 09:12

There is a Cornwall prostate support association on facebook. They have meetings at the cove (Trelisk) each month. A guest speaker is also be there. The meeting on Feb 16th two staff from the radiotherapy department will provide information. 

I have not been to a meeting yet, like you I have only just been diagnosed, but as RT is my preferred option will be going on the 16th. 

User
Posted 04 Feb 2026 at 11:05

Thanks for your reply Stephen. Fingers  crossed for a good result when you get your biopsy report.


John B

User
Posted 09 Feb 2026 at 21:40

Just noticed a couple of comments here mention high blood pressure. Based on my experience, anyone who has high blood pressure despite being bp medications should see if their salt/sodium is on the high side and/or their potassium is on the low side. This could indicate something called Conns - a condition that causes high blood pressure and heart damage, but which can sometimes be cured (as I can personally testify. Ask your GP if you can have a "Renin and Aldosterone Test" a blood test that measures plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR). I wrote this up on my website because it's something many GPs miss. https://www.cobbsblog.com/p/primary-aldosteronism.html

Edited by member 09 Feb 2026 at 21:47  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 11 Feb 2026 at 07:16

That’s a long wait for your result particularly when it is over Christmas. It happened to me  a couple of years back where I had to wait about a month.
Best of luck mate!

User
Posted 11 Feb 2026 at 23:52

With a 4+3 no messing around. Treat first waiting is for 3+4.



Wish you well with whatever option you choose. 

User
Posted 12 Feb 2026 at 07:58

So sorry you had to wait so long for biopsy results which your hospital sat on for a month. I know I was very anxious waiting for my own results with all the possibilities constantly going round in my head. I wish you well with whatever treatment you decide to go with. Also hope your wife is improving. Thank you for sharing your experience and your good advice about chasing results.

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User
Posted 14 Jan 2026 at 15:08

Hello, mate.


I'm sorry that you appear to have prostate problems and have joined our club, but welcome to the forum. You'll get plenty of help and support here.


As you're only 47 years old, you are much younger than most of us old codgers. 


Your pi-rads 5 score means that there is a very high chance of clinically significant prostate cancer. However, we have had men on here who've had the same score and had benign/ non cancerous conditions such as prostatitis.


I'm a little confused about your PSA levels. Has it gone from 6, down to 4?  If so, this also points towards prostatitis. Your delay in biopsy results is quite lengthy. You've done the right thing and used PALS to chase up the results. I've found them to be useful and effective in dealing with complaints.


I wouldn't worry about how long your biopsy results are 'valid' for. Generally prostate cancer is slow growing.


I hope you that your results soon arrive and are favourable.


Please keep us updated, and good luck, mate. 👍

User
Posted 14 Jan 2026 at 16:32

Thank you for the welcome.


WRT my to PSA levels. I had a test in October 2025 at a local test site and sadly the results came back high, I followed that up with my doctor and this was high, for clarity both of these where ~6. The initial response from my doctor was not to worry as I'm only 47 and come back in 6 weeks.


Due to being lucky and having private medical insurance through work, I referred to a private Urologist and had the DRE, which he reported felt normal. He still requested an MRI which was done via the NHS and that showed "an area of concern". To support the MRI I had another PSA test which was ~4 as this was a prereequesit of the test


I have just had a response from the Patient Experience Team at Treliske and I now have some new information


" the pathologist explains your case needs some extra work which has already been requested but unfortunately delayed slightly due to machine malfunctions.  It should be available for the pathologist today, with a view to have the case finalised and authorised by Thursday at the latest."


So I'm reading that as I should get an update in the next day or so?

User
Posted 14 Jan 2026 at 16:43

Hi, again.


I don't really understand the response for the delay. However, you should get your result soon.🤞


 

User
Posted 15 Jan 2026 at 12:23

Had a call back from the hospital earlier this morning. My results from the biopsy came back negative for cancer. But becuase of my MRI/PIRADS was a 5, I've now got a Fusion Biopsy booked on the 26th to have a more targetted look. So bittersweet day and still not really clearer on what's happening to me. Off to Orlando on 6th Feb for 2 weeks so will worry about it when I'm back!

User
Posted 15 Jan 2026 at 14:57

Sorry you're having to deal with this prolonged diagnostic stress. Fingers crossed for a healthy outcome. I had a targeted biopsy (28 cores) on December 18, and when I asked about results today I was given an appointment, presumably to give me the results, on the 11th of February. (I am in the Midlands.)


That will be close to 8 weeks. Part of me wants to think the results can't be that bad if they are taking that long to tell me.


What is bad is the stress of waiting, which is not healthy. Fortunately, Orlando is a lovely distraction (c heck out the St. Johns River if you can - a natural wonder that is navigable all the way north to Jacksonville, over 300 miles.


Stephen

Edited by member 15 Jan 2026 at 17:13  | Reason: meet community guidelines

User
Posted 23 Jan 2026 at 19:46

I also had my biopsy at Trelisk on 18th Nov. I got the results 22 Dec. 


I guess you also got the 7-10 days for results. I expect timeline had more to do with targets rather than reality.

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 08:56

Oh Joy, hospital can’t do my MRi Fusion Biopsy as my blood pressure is too high, doctors won’t put me on treatment for blood pressure because it’s not high enough, guess I’m caught in the middle…

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 09:18
I got my BP down. Two weeks no salt, well almost zero. Checked every label. Shocked at how much salt is put into food. Dropped 10
User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 10:01

I guess it’s hidden salt as don’t routinely add it, work stress combined with this stress can’t help at all. Will be taking this seriously and making some changes definitely.


Still can’t recommend this getting old malarkey at all

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 10:08

Morning lads.


I've got high blood pressure, averaging  169/85. Doctors constantly bugging me about it, doesn't help the situation.😁

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 10:23

How frustrating! I think the heart of the issue is that hospitals and GP surgeries use different "goalposts" for blood pressure (BP).


An MRI Fusion Biopsy is an invasive procedure, often done under sedation or local anesthetic. If BP is high on the day, the hospital fears an increased risk of bleeding or a cardiovascular event (like a stroke) triggered by the stress of the needle. They often have a "hard stop" threshold, frequently around 160/100 or 180/110, to protect themselves and the patient.


GPs follow NICE guidelines, which generally don't suggest starting lifelong medication unless a patient's BP is consistently above 140/90 mmHg (in clinic) and they have other risk factors. If one is just "borderline" (e.g., 150/95), the GP might prefer "watchful waiting" or lifestyle changes rather than a pill to take long term or indefinitely.


In your case, as for many others, the "White Coat hypertension syndrome may be at work, BP is only hitting those "too high" levels because you're in a hospital, anxious a prostate biopsy (I've had too and my pressure readings at the time were higher than normal, but apparently not too high for them. 


Here's a possible way forward: get your GP to assure the Urology docs that your normal BP is olay. Get a decent home BP monitor - I use one that goes on the wrist - record readings twice a day for a week (sitting clamly in your favourite chair. If those are normal (say around or under 135/85), you have grounds for claiming White Coat syndrome, and evidence that you are not as high a risk as Urology thinks.


You could ask the Urology Department's Pre-assessment Clinic to write a formal letter or email to your GP, such as "We cannot perform this clinically necessary biopsy unless the patient's BP is below [X]. Please treat the patient to this target temporarily." Apparently, GPs are much more likely to prescribe a "short-term" antihypertensive if they have a specific request from a consultant.


You can approach your GP before you have your home readings, or ask them if they will go along with the letter if you do a set of readings. I've had times when the GP wanted a week of readings and I put them in a tanle in Word or Excel. 


Also, a GP or the hospital can prescribe a one-off dose of a beta-blocker (like Propranolol) to be taken an hour before the biopsy. This doesn't treat chronic high blood pressure, but it stops the physical "fight or flight" response that spikes the BP during the procedure.


Hope this helps.


Stephen

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 11:28

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
They often have a "hard stop" threshold.


I wonder if they used one during my RARP and that's why I cant get one anymore?


Sorry, Stephen. I couldn't resist.


Joking apart, thanks for your post, mate. It's very helpful and informative. Many on here, including myself, have had treatment delays because of blood pressure issues. If you dont mind, I'll copy your reply and repost it when others have similar problems.

Edited by member 26 Jan 2026 at 11:31  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 26 Jan 2026 at 12:56
Humour always appreciated.

And feel free to share. I'm one of the lucky few whose high blood pressure was cured with surgery (check out "Conn's Syndrome" - conn not cobb :-)

So I try to help with BP issues when I can.
User
Posted 03 Feb 2026 at 19:29

I got my biopsy results at RCH Treliske (Cornwall) today, exactly 5 weeks after the biopsy. The pathology reports in Cornwall are currently coming in at about 4 weeks (mine just missed the weekly MDT meeting so that added a week). Apparently a senior histologist has recently retired and they've not got a replacement yet which is slowing the reporting. Aside from that I must say my care has been excellent and every member of staff I've dealt with has been lovely. This site and especially the online community section has helped me as I waited for my results (positive for cancer but low grade) with peoples personal experiences so I've signed up to add mine.

User
Posted 04 Feb 2026 at 08:27
Appreciate the update John, and very glad your results were low grade. That was my biopsy result in 2021 - which was delayed by the main histologist for a big regional hospital here in the Midlands coming down with Covid.

I have a date (Feb 11) to get the results of my biopsy from Dec 18. Will report back after that. Fingers crossed!
User
Posted 04 Feb 2026 at 09:12

There is a Cornwall prostate support association on facebook. They have meetings at the cove (Trelisk) each month. A guest speaker is also be there. The meeting on Feb 16th two staff from the radiotherapy department will provide information. 

I have not been to a meeting yet, like you I have only just been diagnosed, but as RT is my preferred option will be going on the 16th. 

User
Posted 04 Feb 2026 at 11:05

Thanks for your reply Stephen. Fingers  crossed for a good result when you get your biopsy report.


John B

User
Posted 09 Feb 2026 at 21:40

Just noticed a couple of comments here mention high blood pressure. Based on my experience, anyone who has high blood pressure despite being bp medications should see if their salt/sodium is on the high side and/or their potassium is on the low side. This could indicate something called Conns - a condition that causes high blood pressure and heart damage, but which can sometimes be cured (as I can personally testify. Ask your GP if you can have a "Renin and Aldosterone Test" a blood test that measures plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR). I wrote this up on my website because it's something many GPs miss. https://www.cobbsblog.com/p/primary-aldosteronism.html

Edited by member 09 Feb 2026 at 21:47  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 11 Feb 2026 at 07:16

That’s a long wait for your result particularly when it is over Christmas. It happened to me  a couple of years back where I had to wait about a month.
Best of luck mate!

User
Posted 11 Feb 2026 at 22:21

Yesterday, February 10, I finally got the result from my December 18 biopsy. I was supposed to get it on the 11th but I called Urology the day before and I said I could not attend. Why? My wife is having an episode of acute delirium and can't be left by herself. Also, as I explained: why not tell me over the phone rather than make be to a 90 minute round trip drive just to have a five minute conversation? That seemed to resonate with the urologist and he called my right away — to give me the results he has had since January 9!


In other words, there was a more than 30 day delay between them knowing the results and them telling me. And the delay was not because the results were good. I have gone from Gleason 6  to Gleason 7 (score 4+3 = 7, grade group 3). As I understand it, pattern 4 cells are more prone to invading surrounding tissue and spreading if left untreated. There was cancer in 9 out of 28 cores, including the "target" area (the lesion seen on MRI) and on both sides of the prostate, indicating the cancer is no longer a microscopic focal point. CPG3 means I am now in the "Intermediate Risk" category where radical (curative) treatment is the standard recommendation. Urologist is booking a bone scan before discussing treatment (Radical Prostatectomy or Radiation plus hormone therapy).


The "good" news is that it took 5 years to go from Gleason 6 to 7. Also good news, although I say this in a voice dripping with bitter sarcasm, none of this is apparently urgent since they sat on it for 30 days before telling me. If I had paid to do the biopsy privately it I would have known January 10, not February 10. 


Such is life.


One possible lesson for others here: start badgering them for the results two weeks after the biopsy. They've probably got them at that point and you might get moved up the pile.


Take care all ... Stephen

User
Posted 11 Feb 2026 at 23:52

With a 4+3 no messing around. Treat first waiting is for 3+4.



Wish you well with whatever option you choose. 

User
Posted 12 Feb 2026 at 07:58

So sorry you had to wait so long for biopsy results which your hospital sat on for a month. I know I was very anxious waiting for my own results with all the possibilities constantly going round in my head. I wish you well with whatever treatment you decide to go with. Also hope your wife is improving. Thank you for sharing your experience and your good advice about chasing results.

 
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