Second Class Patient?
I felt a lump below my neck, under my skin on my sternum yesterday. I made an appointment with a dermatologist for the end of the month. I have wanted to meet with a different doctor, one not affiliated with the large group I have been seeing for years, but by the time I could make that happen, it would waste a lot of time. I can get the ball rolling this way and begin my search in the meantime.
When this outfit had my biopsies analyzed previously, they sent them to a lab that does that type of work exclusively. The results I'd gotten back before were in-depth, and thorough.
After the most recent surgery on my neck, I received an A.O.K. without an analysis of what was found. I questioned that. The doctor's assistant who responded, reluctantly, seemed put off by my mere asking. "You were cleared. No cancer." I think she thought that would or should satisfy me. All I wanted was to see the analysis. Of course, I was happy that I was ok, I just wanted to know what the in-depth examination of the removed tissue showed.
They hadn't sent it out. The owner of the clinic examined it and there was no documentation of his work. He has an M.D. but doesn't belong to the AMA. How can I be sure he did a professional review/test of the tissue? I tried to get a second opinion, but the surgeon, his assistant and the 2nd opinion doctor seemed aggravated and dismissive.
If I had had a positive biopsy for lung cancer and the surgery to remove it was summarized with a "clear", and I had wanted to see the official documentation, there would be zero resistance, I believe. Am I a second-class patient because this is skin cancer and they are dermatologists?
Hi
- thank you for sharing your experience. I'm so sorry to hear that this particular doctor had not shared a proper analysis with you. Unfortunately, I believe this is something other community members can relate to. I often see our community members sharing the importance of getting a second, third, and, sometimes, fourth opinion. Please know that you are not alone in this frustration and that our community is here to support you. Also, I want to give you kudos for advocating for yourself and your health! It can be such a challenge, but being well informed goes a long way in one's personal health journey. Please keep us posted on how you're doing! All the best, Alexa (SkinCancer.net moderator) Thanks Alexa. I feel very ignorant regarding dermatology issues. I don't know what to expect.
That is very understandable! I'm sure many people are in the same boat. Our community here is a helpful resource for understanding more about dermatology, and specifically how we can take care of our skin to prevent skin cancer. If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! Chances are someone here can offer support. 😊 All the best, Alexa (SkinCancer.net moderator) Well done for self advocating. I’m from UK and our NHS dermatologists can be the same. I’ve had to prize the path lab results out of a doctor . I never bother to ask the receptionists now I go straight to my doctor and ask to see the copy and I read it and then take a photo of it.
Thanks Moonlight.
You know, I don't even feel comfortable asking if a report is automatically done with an analysis of a specimen. Asking the doctor's assistant, who was serving as my dermatologist, seemed to be bothered somehow when I asked about it. I guess I already said that. Any more, I try to get along and be nice to everyone. That is something I used not to do.
Is it standard medical procedure to write out everything that was viewed? I would think so. Maybe I'll contact the lab where they analyzed the tissue the time before this and made a report. It was highly detailed. Fascinating, really. The human bod is extraordinary in complexity and in the wonder of all it does. Especially the brain, from what I'm told. I hope to have my own someday!
This place is so nice!
