Tissue sample and results

Short answer

A tissue sample, also called a biopsy, is a small piece of tissue examined under a microscope by a specialist in pathology. The purpose is to determine what the change consists of. The result comes when the examination is complete, and you are informed in the way agreed with you. 1

Why is a tissue sample taken?

Because appearance alone is not always enough. A tissue sample can clarify whether a lump, an ulcer or a pigmented change is benign, whether there is inflammation, or whether there are cell changes requiring further treatment. Microscopy of the tissue is the most reliable way to decide this. 1

What happens to the sample?

• Labelling. The sample is placed in a container labelled with your details and where on the body it was taken from.
• Transport. The container is sent to a pathology department.
• Fixation. The tissue is usually placed in a fluid that preserves its structure.
• Sectioning. The tissue is embedded and cut into very thin sections.
• Staining. The sections are stained so the cells and their nuclei become visible.
• Microscopy. A pathologist reviews the sections and describes the findings.
• Any additional analyses. Sometimes further stains or molecular tests are needed for a precise diagnosis. That extends the waiting time. 1

What can the result show?

• Benign. No sign of malignant cell changes.
• Uncertain or incomplete. The finding cannot be settled on the available material. This may mean a new sample or a larger piece of tissue.
• Malignant or cell changes. There are findings that require a plan for further investigation or treatment.

An uncertain result is not a bad result. It means the pathologist will not conclude more than the tissue supports.

Why does the waiting time vary?

Because the workflow depends on the sample. Some samples need only standard staining, others need extra analyses, new sectioning or review by several pathologists. Departmental workload matters too. That is why this page gives no general waiting time. The time and the form of contact you are told about with your own sample are the ones that apply.

How you get the result

You are told how and when you will hear from us when the sample is taken. Ask if it is not clear to you. Write it down together with the date of the sample.

No result does not mean the result is normal. If you have not heard anything within the agreed time, contact whoever took the sample. That is an entirely reasonable enquiry and is not taken as impatience.

If the finding is serious

If there are findings requiring further investigation, a plan is made for it. Where cancer is suspected, Denmark has cancer pathway programmes that set out the next steps. You are informed who is responsible for the continued course. 1

What you can do yourself

• Note where the sample was taken from and when.
• Note how you get the result, and by when you should have heard something.
• Bring a relative if the result is given in a consultation.
• Write your questions down before the consultation.
• Do not send your civil registration number or health information in ordinary email. See contact.

Related

• After a minor surgical procedure
• Moles and pigmented changes

Sources

• Tissue sample, biopsy, Danish Cancer Society