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If you cannot reach your oncology team

Cannot Reach Your Doctor — After a Biopsy — What to Do Now

If something feels seriously wrong after a biopsy and you cannot reach your oncologist, do not wait. The nearest emergency department can assess you without a referral or a letter from your treating team.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohammed Imaduddin, Surgical Oncologist, MBBS · MS (General Surgery) · M.Ch (Surgical Oncology) · Last reviewed September 2026

  • Go to emergency, not a pharmacy — Emergency departments can assess post-biopsy complications. A pharmacy or walk-in clinic cannot.
  • No paperwork needed to be seen — Your name, date of birth, biopsy site, and approximate date are enough to start.
  • Name the biopsy site first — Saying where it was done tells the emergency team where to focus immediately.
  • Save your centre's number now — Before your next procedure, save your CION contact number in your phone so it is easy to find.
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If something feels seriously wrong after a biopsy and you cannot reach your team, go to the nearest emergency department. Tell them when you had the biopsy, where it was done, and your main symptom. You do not need a referral. Do not wait for a morning callback when you have a red flag.

If a symptom below applies to you, do not wait for a callback. Call 1800-202-8726 or go to your nearest emergency department.

If you are worried right now, call

Our helpline is answered by clinical staff. If a symptom is on the list above, do not wait for a callback — call, or go to your nearest emergency department.

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Dr. Naresh Gundu
Medical Oncologist

Dr. Naresh Gundu

MBBS, DNB (Internal Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology)

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Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
Medical Oncologist

Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy

MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)

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Medical Oncologist

Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla

MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)

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Dr. Owais Mohammed
Medical Oncologist

Dr. Owais Mohammed

MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)

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Dr. T. Raghavender Reddy
Medical Oncologist

Dr. T. Raghavender Reddy

MBBS, DM (Medical Oncology), MD (Radiation Oncology)

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Medical Oncologist

Dr. N. Kiranmayee

MBBS, DM (Medical Oncology), MD (Internal Medicine)

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Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
Surgical Oncologist

Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty

MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)

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Dr. Raghavendra Naik
Surgical Oncologist

Dr. Raghavendra Naik

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), M.Ch (Surgical Oncology)

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Dr. Mohammed  Imaduddin
Surgical Oncologist

Dr. Mohammed Imaduddin

M.B.B.S, MS (General Surgery), M.Ch (Surgical Oncology)

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Dr. Vinay Mamidala
Surgical Oncologist

Dr. Vinay Mamidala

MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)

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Dr. Paila Gowri Naidu
Surgical Oncologist

Dr. Paila Gowri Naidu

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), M.Ch (Surgical Oncology), FMAS

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Dr. Venkata Sushma P
Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Venkata Sushma P

MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology)

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Dr. Kirti Ranjan Mohanty
Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Kirti Ranjan Mohanty

MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology)

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Dr. Gangadhar Vajrala
Radiation Oncologist

Dr. Gangadhar Vajrala

MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology), MPH

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Dr. Basudev Pokhrel
Hematologist

Dr. Basudev Pokhrel

MBBS, M.D (Immunohematology & Blood Transfusion)

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Dr. Mohammed Imran
Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Mohammed Imran

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Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
Surgical Oncologist

Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology

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Dr. Sridhar Kamani
Surgical Oncologist

Dr. Sridhar Kamani

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology)

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Not sure whether this counts as an emergency?

Call the helpline. It is always better to check than to wait.

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How to tell normal discomfort from a warning sign

SignNormal after biopsyGo to emergency now
PainMild, does not worsen after day oneSevere or getting worse; painkillers are not helping
BleedingSmall spot, settles with gentle pressureSoaks through dressings, or restarts after settling
RednessMild bruising near the siteSpreading redness, or skin that feels hot and tight
FeverUnlikely; a mild temperature can occur in the first few hoursAny fever — especially with shivering or pain
BreathingNot affectedAny new chest pain or shortness of breath
Typically startsHours after the procedure; settles over one to two daysAny time — act when something new appears or worsens after day one

What do you say at emergency, and what should you carry?

When you arrive, say: 'I had a [site] biopsy on [date], I am under oncology care, and I cannot reach my team. My main concern is [your symptom].' That sentence gets you triaged correctly and tells the team where to focus.

Carry your biopsy appointment letter or discharge summary if you have one. If you do not, your name and date of birth are enough. A list of your current medications is also useful — it helps staff contact your treating team directly.

If you are told to go home and you still feel something is wrong, say so clearly. You are allowed to ask for a senior review before you leave.

Explore 100 more Preparing For, Having and Recovering From a Biopsy topics

HUB — Preparing for a Biopsy and What Happens on the Day

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Can the emergency department treat me if it is not the hospital that did my biopsy?

Yes. Any emergency department can assess and begin treating post-biopsy complications. Tell them the site and date of your biopsy. Once you are stable, your treating oncology team will be contacted. Going to a different hospital does not disrupt your care — it gets you the assessment you need right now.

What if I have none of my paperwork with me?

Tell them your name, date of birth, the biopsy site, and the approximate date. That is enough to start. Not having paperwork should never stop you from going in. Waiting until you find your documents when you have a red flag is the riskier choice.

Is it safe to wait until morning and call my oncologist then?

Not if you have any of the red flags on this page — fever, worsening bleeding, spreading redness, chest pain, or severe pain. For those, go now. If your symptoms are mild, not worsening, and you can keep fluids down, calling in the morning may be reasonable. When unsure, go in.

What will the emergency team do when I arrive?

They will check your vital signs — temperature, pulse, blood pressure — and ask about the biopsy and your symptoms. They may take blood tests or order a scan. They will also try to reach your treating team. Most post-biopsy complications caught early are manageable. Getting there quickly is what changes the outcome.

Full index

Browse all 701 biopsy topics

Every page in this section, grouped by the part of the journey it belongs to. Pick a group to see what is in it.

What Is a Biopsy?

What Is a Biopsy? Everything You Need to Know →

Types of Biopsy Compared

Which Biopsy Will You Have? Techniques Compared →

Preparing for a Biopsy

What to Expect on the Day of Your Biopsy →

Recovery and Aftercare

After a Biopsy: Recovery, Aftercare and Warning Signs →

Biopsy by Body Part

Biopsy by Body Part: What to Expect at Each Site →

Understanding Your Report

How to Read a Biopsy Report: Terms Explained →

IHC and Molecular Markers

IHC and Molecular Markers on a Biopsy: What They Mean →

Grading and Scoring Systems

Cytology & Prostate Scoring Systems Explained →

How Accurate Is a Biopsy?

How Accurate Is a Biopsy? Errors and Second Opinions →

If Your Result Is Benign

Your Biopsy Is Benign: What It Means and What Comes Next →

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