IS CORE BIOPSY SAFE

[annette13]

A June 2004 report from the John Wayne Cancer Institute in California has rekindled a long-standing debate over whether or not needle biopsies are safe


The report's authors state: "Manipulation of an intact tumor by FNA or large-gauge needle core biopsy is associated with an increase in the incidence of SN metastases, perhaps due in part to the mechanical disruption of the tumor by the needle." This is a discreet way of saying that needle biopsy, an increasingly common procedure, was itself responsible for spreading the cancer, although the authors take pains to qualify this disturbing conclusion by suggesting that not every cluster of cancer cells found in the regional lymph nodes will inevitably end up developing into clinically apparent


Instead of being told that they have stage I cancer and that surgery "got it all," they are now delivered the frightening news that the cancer has spread outside its capsule and gotten into the lymphatic system. They then face the possible dissection of the affected chain of lymph nodes and aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and/or hormonal therapy to wipe out the stray cancer cells (Chu 1999).

He elaborated: "Needle biopsy is occasionally used, [but]...a needle track may harbor nests of cells which may form the basis for a later recurrent spread....Incisional biopsy of certain highly malignant tumors through an open operative field may be contraindicated because of risk of spread of the tumor throughout the operative field" (ibid.)



Imagine the outrage these patients will feel when they learn that many of these sentinel node metastases were caused not by the natural progression of their disease but directly by the actions of well-intentioned (but ill informed) doctors. Imagine, further, what will happen when patients find out that questions have been raised about the safety and advisability of needle biopsies for a number of years by some of the finest minds in oncology. Imagine the disruption of the smooth functioning of the "cancer industry" when patients start demanding less invasive ways of diagnosing tumors.  And imagine the class action lawsuits.

[mamaboulet]

If you read the entire report, the John Wayne Foundation comments that, while needle track seeding has been documented, it is so rare as to be insignificant, especially when compared to the diagnostic benefits of biopsy. The report was also specifically comparing TYPES of biopsies, not whether a biopsy was done or not, and they had some tumor variations in the different biopsy groups that complicated their results. Their final comment was that, in spite of the possibility of rare cases of needle track seeding, and their theory that the possibility may vary from one type of biopsy to another, they will still continue to do biopsies as part of their own diagnostic procedures.

[japdip]

If cancer has invaded the lymphatic system it is thru the system itself and not because it was allowed to do so as a result of being transferred by needle puncture. To do this one would have to inject the pathways of the lymphatic system rather than withdrawing a specimen as is done at the time of biopsy.

[katarina777]

Do you have a link for the original source, annette?