Need Help-Dr. removed cyst and just 'trashed it'-no biopsy

[coltsmommy1997]

Well I had my lap done last Friday-good news was they did not have to take the ovary and I only had two incisions.....The bad news, well I still am in shock......after the operation, while in recovery waiting with my sister in law, the Dr. comes in and says "You are beautiful on the inside".  I then asked her if she had sent the cyst off for biopsy (which she assured me during consultation is done WITH ALL removed growths etc), she says "yes we did", then realizing I guess that she did not states "no, no we didn't-we just TRASHED IT"  I am at such a loss right now I can't begin to describe it.  Four months of not knowing and worrying over a growing cyst with "somekind" of tissue in the center, and now I know nothing.  I am so far beyond angry that I fear I may get locked up when I go in for my follow up, which I have not even scheduled yet.  Has this ever happened to anyone else?

[NikkiPoo]

If they can tell by just looking at a cyst what it is than why is pathology ever done?
They cannot tell from looking at it and that is why it has to be tested.  I'm in shock that your doctor is so arrogant to believe that her eyes are better than a microscope and an experienced pathologist.
You should file a complaint against her and make sure she is liable for any disease that may be there although I pray that there is none.

[fungirl]

It is just pure negelance that she would do something so stupid.  I am is such a state of anger that I can not even describe it.  Call then NOW and tell them that if the path was not done, some heada are going to roll!!  I it was bagged up, maybe it is not to late, but Friday was a long time ago.  I would take the advice of the other ladies and get a lawer ASAP.  Is ther another doctor that you can call to see what can be done about a dx now?  I am so sorry you are going through this worry and that you had to deal with such an iodiot!!  Please keep us posted.  We are here for you girl.  Kasie

[LindaF]

Insanity!! Hopefully she can get it back??? Usually it's bagged. That is just NUTS. Did they look at it and at least judge what it was?

Linda

[Gatsby]

Do you have a lawyer?  I am sitting here in shock!  My jaw dropped as I am sure yours did.  Even in my pain med state I am shocked.....call a lawyer.
~Tascha

[LindaF]

Ask her what she visually saw to at least ease your mind some. Often times, they can tell just from looking. Not as good as pathology but pretty indictative.

L.

[turtledovemom]

I am so sorry and shocked to hear what happened to you.  I can't even imagine going through this after having waited to hear a dx.  If you can manage it, I'd ask you not to wait until your follow-up appt, but to call the office asap and just ask that she confirm that no pathology was done on your cyst.  I'd keep a paper and pencil with you so that you can copy down exactly what your doc says to you.  Doctors, not even gyn/onc, can eyeball something and tell it benign from malignant.    If they tell you that they can, then they deserve to be dragged into court and sewed for sheer stupidity.
peace,
Anne

[turtledovemom]

And for the record, I can actually spell the sued.  Yeesh

[Krull1]

I can't believe it!!! Since you asked and she had to correct herself and that was right after surgery you think She could have tracked it down. What was she or any of the surgery assistants thinking?? I was told anything removed was automatically sent to pathology. I'd get a copy of the surgery records if I were you. I am starting to request copies of all my tests and procedures now. Sorry you had to get hit with that on top of surgery. My prayers are with you and hope you get some decent answers!! Take Care.
Hugs,
Darlyn

[MickeyVicki]

Have you filed a complaint with the hospital?  She should not be a practicing surgeon if she does things like this.  It is not a standard procedure for cases like these.

Did she at least perform a biopsy in the OR?  

I am stunned.

[AnotherKatie]

That is AWFUL.  I would have a nervous breakdown from the stress of that one.  

Can you insist that she refer you to an gyn/onc immediately.  If nothing else, they can be more vigilent with your follow up, and he/she can reassure you.

HOWEVER I'd just bet you anything that they just looked at it and could tell it was fine.  Don't make yourself sick over this.  There's not much you can do about it as far as the actual tissue goes... but I'd definitely blast her and I'd be on the phone with her superiors.  Was it a complex cyst?  She messed up big time.  You need to talk to her and get some answers.  Document every conversation very carefully.  Send some letters of complaint while it is still fresh in your memory too.

Hang in there.  My doctor said "it was benign, I can tell by looking and it was" and I know that can be NOT TRUE but odds are in your favor....

Oh poor you....I am in shock...What a frickin idiot doctor....

[turtledovemom]

Wow.  My brain was just toast this morning...meant to say that doctors, not even gyn/onc, can NOT eyeball something to tell benign from malignant.  Where are you located?  Not all teaching hospitals/cancer centers require a referral from your original doc.  There are more and more of them who accept self-referrals.  I'm betting that the shock factor of this whole thing is quite significant.  When you can clear your head from all of this foolishness (bless you if you can actually do that), please let us know where you are.  If you need help in locating another doc, perhaps we can help with some of the research for you.  
peace,
Anne

[kathy o]

What was their reasoning ? I thought biopsy was automatic. My God I am sorry that you are having to go through this. This is indeed very negligent and unexcusable. I really don't know what to say. Keep us posted.
Kathy

[LindaF]

While this is not definite, one of the most defining things about hemmoraghic cysts is a central blood clot. They can grow if they bleed more into themselves. Could it be that the doc could tell that's what it was and that's why she trashed it? No excuse of course but they are very definitive when you look at them.

L.

[turtledovemom]

You're right in that there is no excuse.  However, more than a few of us have been actually closed up before the frozen section report was returned to the OR only to have the surgeon have to open us up again because it was malignant.   Of course, I'm praying that this ignorant doctor stepped in something lucky and that coltsmommy is in fact "beautiful on the inside" and part of the 99%.  The bottom line is that it should have been sent to pathology regardless of outside appearance.

[in the same boat]

I don't know how she could get away with that. Anything removed is biopsied. Contact the hospital surgical dept and/or lab & ask them specifically if any sample was sent for lab analysis. Also you could call the Administrator of that hospital & tell them your story & have them track this down for you. I don't think they want a lawsuit.

[Aquinnah]

This is dreadful - I agree with whatever anyone else has said - though of course the chances are that all is fine!!! (I had a hysteroscopy last year where they were going to biopsy and send to lab - but didn't in the end as everything looked do perfect there was no area to worry about. The doc said there was nothing there to biopsy - and I saw the picture - nothing abnormal in it - I hope your situation is the same). Anyway: One thing I wanted to add: If you ring and query/ask questions/complain whatever, follow up with a letter to confirm your conversation asap after as written proof of what you have done. Keep a copy. In case you want to take it further it will be useful to have.

[Anna-maria74]

Jesus christ your kidding me! What did she say after she noticed your jaw droppping onto the floor and the accumulating carpet burns on your chin. They didnt even send it for path? WHY! did she give a reason?

Anna x