Biopsies Taken Despite No Polyps Found
A 29-year-old woman has been experiencing diarrhea and vomiting since November 2024, resulting in an absence of solid bowel movements during this period. She has a history of Lyme disease and mental health challenges but generally considers herself healthy otherwise. Recently, she underwent both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy on March 17. However, since the procedure, she has not received any updates from the healthcare providers. Upon waking from anesthesia, she was informed that no polyps were detected, but a few tissue samples had been collected for further examination. Concerned about the lack of communication, she reached out to the clinic, where an staff member expressed surprise that she hadn’t been contacted yet and noted that a call was indeed pending. This led her to wonder whether having several biopsies taken is a common practice in the absence of polyps and if her anxiety regarding the phone conversation is justified.
Answers (1)
3/27/2025, 5:50:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious after a procedure like a colonoscopy, especially when awaiting biopsy results. The information you’ve shared raises some important points about your current situation, and you're not alone in feeling this way.
Main Points:
- Biopsy Practices: It’s common to take biopsies even in the absence of polyps to investigate other potential issues.
- Communication Concerns: It's normal to feel anxious about a lack of communication regarding your health.
Explanation:
During a colonoscopy, doctors may take biopsies even if they don’t find polyps because they are looking for other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn's disease), infections, or other abnormalities that might not be visible but could cause your symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. The absence of polyps is a positive finding but doesn’t rule out other potential issues that need to be investigated, hence the biopsies.
It is also standard for healthcare providers to follow up on biopsy results, and delays in communication can be frustrating and anxiety-provoking. It’s good that you have reached out to the clinic, and it’s likely that they will contact you soon with your results.
Next Steps:
- Stay Informed: Keep following up with the clinic if you don’t hear back within a few days. Ask them about the expected timeline for receiving results, as many clinics have a standard period for notifying patients.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms—like the diarrhea and vomiting—and note if they worsen or improve. This can provide useful information for any follow-up discussions.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques: While waiting for your results, practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, or mindfulness to help manage anxiety.
- Prepare Questions: Once you receive your results, make a list of questions for your healthcare provider to help clarify any remaining concerns about your health.
It’s completely justified to feel anxious in this situation. Remember, the aim of the biopsies is to ensure a thorough understanding of your health to guide the best treatment options for you moving forward.
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