One month wait for lung biopsy normal?

Yes it’s absolutely quite normal to wait a month for your biopsy, I truly understand where your concerns are coming from and that’s very understandable. I know that the waiting times can vary depending on the doctor and their schedule but I believe that they go over their cases to make sure that you are looked after within an appropriate timeframe. I had to wait three months because it was in 2020 and everything was still chaotic and super stressful, best wishes for you and good health.

@marysmith83, I understand your concern. Yes, biopsies are typically sent to an outside lab and take at least a couple of weeks to come back. In the lung cancer world, no news is always good news! Best wishes to you.

Hi @marysmith83, Are you waiting for the biopsy procedure, or waiting for the results of the biopsy? Either way a month isn't all that unusual. When we want answers now, the hardest part is often the waiting. As long as you aren't experiencing symptoms (cough, wheezing, etc.) a month is likely not going to change the clinical nature of whatever is being biopsied. That said, I know that the waiting is unsettling. I try to focus on what I know for sure. There is something there that needs more investigation, but we don't know it's something bad. Most nodules are not cancerous. Have you a had a CT that showed something of concern, a nodule?

Thank you for your response!

Hi, thank you for your response. Im waiting to get the biopsy procedure. My last ct scan showed a 13 mm spiculated nodule in one lung and a cyst in the other. Previous ct scans (last one a year ago) did not show these. I was being watched with Ct scans because of a few (non spiculated) nodules that were, and still are, less than 3 mm and stable.

hi @marysmith83 - in the words of Tom Petty, the waiting is the hardest part. it took me about a month to have my bronchoscopy after a suspicious CT scan. they told me right after surgery that I had cancer, so they can test as soon as they have the tissue sample. then they sent that sample to a special lab to determine what genetic mutations my tumors had - to best match them with available treatments. that took about 2 weeks to get back. in the meantime, do your best to stay healthy. eat/sleep well and try not to catch any respiratory pathogens (that could delay your surgery/worsen your symptoms). I wear a KF94 or N95 mask in public.

I totally agree, please wear a mask when you’re indoors and around people, I can’t stress enough how important this practice is to those who suffer from lung disease, many of the viruses are respiratory infections and we have to be careful.

@marysmith83, Thanks for the additional details, it helps to understand what you are facing. It sounds like your doctor is working to identify the pathology of the largest nodule, that's good. All of the tests and scans are pieces of the puzzle, and the more information that you have the better they will be able to assess the next steps. Each of those pieces takes time. It will be a long month for you, and it will be best if you can try to find a way to distract yourself. I know, that's easier said than done. But try to find some good through doing the things that you enjoy.
Be assured that IF this is cancer (we don't know that yet), it seems to be small and contained, and there are many treatment options available today that didn't even exist 10 years ago. Lung cancer research is finally getting attention and making advancements. There are many people here on Mayo Connect that have been through this. We know it's not an easy time for you or those closest to you. Do you have support from family or friends?

@mamajite , Now I know that I'm not the only one that sings that every time I type it, "the wa-aaa-ting is the hardest part". Made me smile.

thank you for the reminder to try not to catch something respiratory!