A routine sample mistaken for a benign result

Setting: A dermatology day-unit discharge conversation

A lesion has been excised and sent for histology. The result is pending. The dermatology team will review and discuss it with the patient; no fixed result date is promised.

Task

Explore the patient’s interpretation of routine.
Acknowledge uncertainty and avoid reassuring beyond evidence.
Explain who will contact whom and check the preferred number.
Check what the patient will do if they have not heard.

Fictional histology result-information sheet

Dermatology retains responsibility for checking the histology report and telephoning the patient.
The report is pending; routine sending does not mean a benign result.
If no update has arrived after three weeks, telephone dermatology using the contact printed on this sheet. This follow-up point is not a guarantee of when a report will be ready.
Silence does not establish either a normal or abnormal result.
Use the patient’s confirmed personal mobile rather than the home phone while the patient works away.
Wound review is a separate appointment and does not replace result follow-up.

Fictional scenario information supplied by the treating team; not medical guidance for real patients.