 |
| Image Credit: Flickr What's on the other side? |
Life leaves us with so many questions. Each step taken leads to new paths. But when it comes to cancer there are numerous unknowns. Prior to a cancer diagnosis, there are many scary steps to finding a diagnosis. Fortunately many biopsies turn out to be benign, but before you have the procedure to test the lesion it can be very nerve racking.
Interventional Radiologists perform many biopsies. These are not as invasive as surgery and can be done on an outpatient schedule. The doctors use imaging technology to guide their needle to the correct place. Many of these can be done without sedation medication.
Although you do not find out the results of your test the day of the procedure, you have to worry about what they could be. You wonder how life may change. What will happen on the other side of these tracks if this is cancer?
I cannot tell you how your life will change, but I can tell you that every patient I have worked with is surprised when the biopsy is finished. They always ask, "Are you really done? or Was that it?". The actual biopsy is not the hard part. It is the worrying, waiting, and wondering about the results.
Biopsies that are performed by Interventional Radiologists vary. They include thyroid, lymph node, lung, bone marrow, liver, renal, soft tissue, and any other lesion that is safe to access without surgery. It is good to know that the doctor looks at all images prior to approving the biopsy to be done in Interventional Radiology.
Each biopsy is unique and requires the use CT, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound. The type of structure to be biopsied determines this.
I see on a daily basis how much thought and hard work goes into planning every biopsy. The staff has already looked into the patients history before even meeting the patient. This is a very delicate and detailed process.
My one suggestion is that you become a part of your own healthcare. Ask questions. Ask questions. Ask questions. Listen or have somebody with you that can listen. Write things down or ask the staff to write it for you. It is essential to be involved.
So when you wonder what lies for you on the other side, remember to be involved and be a part of how you get to the other side.
