As a practising dermatologist, I see this issue every week. Patients return after a mole removal or biopsy, bringing a short letter from the doctor who organised their procedure, asking me for my opinion.
Often, I cannot fully help them because they do not have the original, detailed biopsy report. They only have a brief summary, and that summary is not enough.
This article will help you understand why having your full biopsy report is crucially important for your health, so you can take clear, practical steps to obtain it and use it wisely.
This is a hidden truth about your biopsy report – one that existing medical tradition in the UK often withholds from you, even if unintentionally.
What Usually Happens (and Why That’s a Problem)
In the UK, whether under the NHS or in private healthcare, the doctor or hospital managing your procedure receives your biopsy report, reads it, and writes a short summary letter to you.
Many times, patients receive nothing at all by mistake. In these cases, patients assume “no news is good news” and move on with life, never seeing what was actually discovered under the microscope.
Here is the problem: a summary is not the report.
The doctor’s interpretation of the biopsy report in the letter they give you may lack the nuance needed for proper follow-up, obtaining a second opinion, or understanding your own health and what should happen next.
A Real Example: Why This Matters
Below, you can see a real example of the kind of “summary” letter patients often receive after a biopsy:
“Histology results are abnormal. Comments: infiltrative BCC.”
This is not a “comment.” It is the diagnosis. Infiltrative basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a high-risk subtype of skin cancer with a greater chance of recurrence and deeper tissue invasion if not managed correctly.
The letter also states:
“The lesion has been excised fully/completely.”
✅ But what was the margin?
✅ Was there perineural invasion?
✅ How close was the tumour to the surgical edge?
These details are critical for deciding on follow-up and further treatment.
“If You Wish to Discuss…” – But Discuss What, exactly?
Such letters often end with:
“If you wish to discuss any of the content of this letter, please contact the Referral Management Centre…”
This raises a practical question:
Why would a patient call a Referral Management Centre to discuss a vague, one-line summary when they do not have the full biopsy report in their hands?
Wouldn’t it make far more sense to:
✅ Provide the patient with the full, detailed biopsy report.
✅ Allow the patient to upload it to AI (like ChatGPT) for a clear, structured interpretation.
✅ Seek a second opinion from another doctor if you want.
✅ Or return to the same doctor with informed questions ready?
Calling a Referral Management Centre often means entering a slow, complex system, speaking to staff who may not be able to interpret the report fully, or needing another appointment to clarify details that could have been clear if the report had been shared.
It simply does not make sense to withhold the report while asking the patient to discuss a diagnosis they cannot fully see or understand.
Empowering patients with their full biopsy report, plus structured AI tools and direct clinician discussions, is a faster, clearer, and safer path forward for your health.
Why Does This Happen?
Historically, there has been a paternalistic gatekeeping mindset in medicine:
“We, the doctors, will tell you what you need to know.”
Most doctors today do not consciously think this way, but the system has been set up to continue this tradition.
This practice needs to end because it is not in your best interest as a patient.
Your Right Under the Law
Legally, the biopsy report belongs to the institution that conducted the procedure. However, under UK GDPR (Data Protection Act 2018), you have the right to request a copy of your health data, including your full biopsy report.
If your doctor or hospital refuses, you can submit a Subject Access Request (SAR), which they cannot legally refuse.
I strongly encourage you to request and keep your biopsy report for your own health and future decisions.
Why Having the Full Report Matters
Your full biopsy report contains essential details such as:
✅ The exact diagnosis and subtype.
✅ Breslow thickness for melanomas.
✅ Whether ulceration is present.
✅ Mitotic rate (cell division activity).
✅ Presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion.
✅ Margin status (how close the tumour was to the edge).
✅ Histological subtype, guiding follow-up care.
Without these details, you cannot get a meaningful second opinion or use AI effectively to understand your condition.
A summary letter is not enough. It is crucial to have the original, full biopsy report.
But Do Patients Really Want to Know?
I know from experience that many patients would rather put their heads in the sand. And that is entirely your right, just as it was the right of passengers on the Titanic to ignore the icy water creeping around their ankles while the band played on.
However, for those who want to take control of their health, requesting and reading your full biopsy report is an essential step in protecting your future health.
Using AI to Understand Your Biopsy Report
We live in the age of AI assistants like ChatGPT, which can help you interpret your biopsy report clearly, preparing you for your discussion with your doctor.
AI is not a replacement for medical advice, but it can help you:
✅ Understand your report.
✅ Identify key questions for your doctor.
✅ Make informed decisions about your care.
Real-World Exercise: Using AI on a Biopsy Report
To illustrate this, I have prepared a sample melanoma biopsy report so you can see the level of detail a full report provides.
📄 Click here to read the full biopsy report.
I uploaded this exact report to ChatGPT to demonstrate the depth of understanding possible only with the full report – something a summary letter cannot provide.
Patient Prompt:
“Please act as an experienced dermatologist. Read my histology report and give me a first opinion on what this means, what the prognosis is, and what I should know about this condition that is important for me.”
ChatGPT’s Response:
✅ The report shows a superficial spreading melanoma, vertical growth phase, removed at an early stage.
✅ Breslow thickness: 0.32 mm (thin, associated with a good prognosis).
✅ No ulceration, no mitotic activity, no lymphovascular or perineural invasion.
✅ Margins were 2.5 mm.
✅ However, according to current guidelines, a wider excision (typically 1 cm margins) is recommended to ensure complete removal and reduce the risk of recurrence.
⚠️ A Critical Point Highlighted by AI:
ChatGPT correctly noted that while the melanoma was removed, current guidelines recommend a wider excision to ensure complete removal and reduce recurrence risk.
This is super essential advice that the patient should discuss with their doctor.
What Questions Should You Ask Your Doctor?
Using AI, you can also ask:
“Based on this biopsy report, what three important questions should I ask my doctor?”
This helps you prepare for your appointment and ensures you are taking the proper next steps for your health.
Practical AI Prompts You Can Use
✅ “Act as a dermatologist and interpret this biopsy report in simple language.”
✅ “What does this biopsy report mean for my health and prognosis?”
✅ “What follow-up care should I consider based on this report?”
✅ “List any high-risk features in this report and explain them.”
✅ “Is there anything else I need to discuss with my doctor based on this report?”
✅ “What questions should I ask my doctor based on this biopsy report?”
Important: Protect Your Privacy
Before uploading your biopsy report to AI, remove your name, date of birth, NHS number, and address to protect your privacy.
Final Thoughts – The Truth About Your Biopsy Report
When you have a biopsy or mole removed, do not settle for “it was benign” or “it’s all clear.”
If your report shows something malignant, it is even more critical to understand your condition in detail.
Having your full biopsy report allows you to use AI tools to educate yourself, understand what further examinations or treatments may be needed, and prepare for your doctor’s visit with the right questions.
This is not about distrust; it is about empowering yourself to take control of your health and ensuring you get the best care possible.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with friends and family who have had biopsies or mole removals. Empowerment through knowledge is the first step toward better health for everyone.
Dr Bela, Dermatologist, Chiswick Clinic, West London
