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At the results appointment

Preparing Questions for — Your Results Appointment

Most people walk out of the results appointment having understood less than they needed to. Writing your questions down before you go is the one thing that changes that.

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

  • Bring a written list — Your mind goes blank under stress. A list means you still get the answers even when you cannot think clearly.
  • Take notes or bring someone — You cannot listen and remember at the same time. A second pair of ears helps you catch what you miss.
  • Say when you don't understand — Asking the doctor to explain again is not wasting their time. It is your appointment.
  • Ask for the report in writing — The pathology report is yours to keep. Asking for a copy before you leave is always reasonable.
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Bring a written list. Ask what the result means in plain language, what type and grade it is, what happens next and when, and who to call if you have questions after you leave. Write down the name of the cancer type exactly as the doctor says it. Ask for a copy of the report before you go.

Why does writing questions down actually help?

Most people go into a results appointment intending to ask everything they need to know, and come out having asked almost nothing. This is not because they forgot — it is because fear and information arrive at the same time, and the mind cannot hold both.

A written list takes the pressure off your memory. You stop tracking what you meant to ask and can focus instead on what the doctor is saying.

Bring the list. Cross things off as they are answered. If the appointment ends and something is still uncrossed, ask before you leave the room.

What should you write down during the appointment?

If someone can come with you, ask them to write while you listen. You cannot do both with full attention.

Write down the name of the cancer type and grade exactly as the doctor says it — this is what any second team will ask for. Write down what happens next and when.

If the doctor uses a word you do not recognise, ask them to write it down for you. You can look it up later, and spelling it correctly matters.

What questions should I ask the doctor about my biopsy result?

  • What does this result mean, in plain language?
  • What type and grade is it, and what does that mean for my situation?
  • What tests or scans do I need next, and how soon?
  • Who else will review this result before we decide on a treatment plan?
  • How long before you know enough to recommend a treatment?
  • What should I do — and avoid — while I am waiting for the next step?
  • Can I have a written copy of the pathology report to keep?
  • Who do I call if I have questions after I leave today?

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What if I do not understand what the doctor is telling me?

  1. Say so, plainly

    Saying 'I didn't follow that' is information the doctor needs. They will try a different explanation.

  2. Ask for simpler language

    You can say: 'Can you explain that as if I have never heard these words before?' Most doctors will.

  3. Read it back to confirm

    Say what you think you heard and ask if you understood correctly. This catches misunderstandings before you leave the room.

  4. Ask who to call with questions later

    Understanding often comes slowly, after the appointment. Ask for a name or number before you leave so you have somewhere to go when the question forms.

What if the appointment is harder than I expected?

Some people receive a result and feel nothing. Some cry before the doctor finishes the sentence. Neither is wrong.

If you cannot ask your questions in the moment, ask if you can call or come back. Most teams expect this and welcome it.

The questions on your list will still matter tomorrow. You do not have to get through all of them today.

What else should I know before I walk in?

What if my mind goes completely blank when I walk in?

This happens to most people, which is why the written list matters. Hand the list to the doctor or read from it directly — you do not need to remember anything if you have the paper. If you still freeze, the most useful thing you can say is: 'I have questions written down but I am not thinking clearly right now. Can we go through them together?' Almost every doctor will say yes.

Should I bring someone with me?

Yes, if at all possible. A second person hears things you miss, remembers things you forget, and notices when you have stopped following. They do not need medical knowledge — they just need to write while you listen. If no one can come, tell the doctor at the start and ask them to speak slowly and pause between points.

Can I record the appointment on my phone?

Ask before you record — do not do it without telling the doctor. Many doctors are comfortable with this, and some prefer it because it reduces misunderstanding later. A recording lets you listen back when you are calmer. If the doctor declines, ask if you can take written notes and have them confirmed before you leave.

What if the doctor seems rushed and I feel I cannot ask?

You can say: 'I have a few questions and I want to make sure I understand before I leave. Is now a good time?' This gives the doctor the chance to slow down and signals that you will not leave without your answers. If you still feel cut short, speak to the nurse or coordinator after — they often have more time and can clarify a great deal.

Is it okay to ask for a second opinion?

Yes, always. Asking for a second opinion is not an insult to your doctor. Most oncologists expect it for a complex or unexpected result, and many offer a referral themselves. You are entitled to the written pathology report, and that is what a second team will review. You do not need to explain yourself, though most doctors take it in their stride when you do.

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What if the result is not ready yet when I come in?

Ask when it will be available and who will contact you. Ask whether you need to follow up yourself or whether the team books the next appointment automatically. Write down the date they give you and the name of the person who will call. If that date passes without contact, calling them is appropriate follow-up, not impatience.

Should I read the pathology report myself before the appointment?

You can, and some people find it helpful. Others find the medical language adds anxiety without adding understanding. If you do read it, write down every term you do not recognise and bring those words as specific questions. Do not try to interpret the report yourself — understanding what it means for your situation is what the appointment is for.

What questions should I ask about the next steps?

Ask what needs to happen before treatment can start, how long each step takes, and who is responsible for booking it. Ask whether you need to do anything yourself — collect a report, book a scan — or whether the team arranges it. Ask what the earliest possible date is if you want things to move quickly. A rough timeline helps more than you might expect.

How do I tell my family what the doctor said?

Wait until you have had a little time with the information yourself, if that helps. You do not have to tell everyone at once. Saying 'here is what I know so far, and here is what we are waiting to find out' is a complete and honest update. If a family member wants more detail than you have, it is fine to say 'I will know more after the next appointment.'

What if I disagree with what the doctor recommends?

Say so. You do not have to agree in the room. You can say 'I want to think about this' or 'I would like to understand why this is the right choice before I decide.' Asking for a second opinion is always appropriate. Your oncologist recommends what the evidence supports for your situation, but you are part of that decision, and asking questions is how you become part of it.

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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