Needle biopsy spreads cancer?

[meatie]

My mother had an appointment with the onc today. The onc suggested a needle biopsy of an enlarged para-aortic lymph node.

According to the web, it seems that needle biopsy could spread cancer. What do members of this forum think?

[justin case]

Anytime blood is spread from a cancerous tissue, it can auspiciously enter into the bloodstream.

[dianetavegia]

It's called 'seeding'. When the needle enters a cancer and is withdrawn, there is a chance of seeding cancer throughout all the area the needle touches.

[meatie]

@dianetavegia

I just got a call form the onc's office, saying that the biopsy must go ahead, otherwise they won't know what to do next.

I guess my mom is screwed one way or the other.

[boswind]

Oncologists are usually reluctant to give chemotherapy or other treatments in the absence of real proof that the colon cancer has been metastatic to the liver . Therefore It is common the Onc. wants to have a liver biopsy done.

When I faced the situation I was as scared as you do. Before my liver biopsy, I consulted a highly reputable liver doctor who performs routinely liver biopsy for patients with liver disease. Below is the notes I made during the consultation. He said:

"Regarding liver biopsy, we quote a sum total 1% chance of complication: infection, perforation of another organ (both very rare) and bleeding (which makes up most of the 1%). If there is bleeding then the likelihood of spreading tumor outside the liver is extremely small since the blood would be inside the liver. "

After talking with the liver doctor, I happily had a liver biopsy done.

[meatie]

It is a para-aortic lymph node that they are going to biopsy. According to web search pictures, that node is really deep in the body. How will they get a needle there?

[peanut_8]

Has your Mom had a PET scan meatie?

[meatie]

Has your Mom had a PET scan meatie?

The onc's office called and said that a PET scan will pretty much gave the save indications as the ct scan. So, a pet scan will not be done.

[AnonSurvivor]

Has your Mom had a PET scan meatie?

The onc's office called and said that a PET scan will pretty much gave the save indications as the ct scan. So, a pet scan will not be done.

This seems inconsistent with my experience at Mass General with a possible met on my liver. They PET scanned instead of biopsying.

[justin case]

Has your Mom had a PET scan meatie?

Peanut,
As you know, I have been pushed to have needless tests done. I was refused a PET scan, although my CEA was supposedly rising. I went to another facility, who said the CEA was half, or less than first facility, and there was no need for other tests, as 5 PET scans, had ruled out need for further observation. As a smoker for many years, I have lung nodules, not likely to just disappear. I can take 50 CT's and they will still be there. As for the CEA, I can't understand how my CEA dropped. 3.4 points, unless the facility I was going to, thought I was stupid

[peanut_8]

Has your Mom had a PET scan meatie?

Peanut,
As you know, I have been pushed to have needless tests done. I was refused a PET scan, although my CEA was supposedly rising. I went to another facility, who said the CEA was half, or less than first facility, and there was no need for other tests, as 5 PET scans, had ruled out need for further observation. As a smoker for many years, I have lung nodules, not likely to just disappear. I can take 50 CT's and they will still be there. As for the CEA, I can't understand how my CEA dropped. 3.4 points, unless the facility I was going to, thought I was stupid

I know how frustrating needless tests can be Mr. Case, and you certainly have had your share of them. However it seems to me that in meatie's,Mom's case, a PET scan might be a better idea than a biopsy. Of course I'm not a dr. and my opinion is worth approximately $.02. Can you get a second opinion meatie?
Best Wishes, peanut

[Joannerogers]

My onc did the liver box and per scan

[justin case]

Dear Sista Nut,
My opinion seems less worthy than yours, Butt, I also would think a second, opinion might be worthwhile., although if a nodule is too small for a PET scan, I personally would take the wait and see in 6 months attitude.
Butt, as you know opinions......... everyone has one
Bro

[peanut_8]

Dear Sista Nut,
My opinion seems less worthy than yours, Butt, I also would think a second, opinion might be worthwhile., although if a nodule is too small for a PET scan, I personally would take the wait and see in 6 months attitude.
Butt, as you know opinions......... everyone has one
Bro

ha, if your opinion is $.01, and mine is $.02 we still add up to less than a nickel.

I kind of recall that meatie mentioned in another post that his Mom had concerns other than the lymph node.

Meatie, if your Mom has had a recurrence, you're probably going to want a second opinion anyway. If you aren't happy with your current insurance, now would be a good time to upgrade.
Best Wishes, sista Nut

[dianetavegia]

My onc ordered a needle biopsy saying the liver surgeon would ask for one. My dear onc friend from Australia said many / most of the larger cancer centers are not doing needle biopsies anymore. He called my onc and I got a call saying a PET would be done instead. Only the VERY CENTER lit up. A needle biopsy might have missed the center and I might have been very ill by time I had surgery.

I've learned a lot in the last almost 7 years and make a lot of decisions my onc doesn't agree with. He's still not sold on Vit. D3 needing to be above 40 while I insist it be 80 -100ng's. He worries about aspirin causing bleeding because he 'knows of 4 people..........' I've learned to make my own decisions, contact people directly, like Dr. Cedric Garland, and take my health into my own hands.

I wonder sometimes why I even see an oncologist instead of primary care. After the damage done to my CNS from FOLFOX, I'm not sure I'd ever accept chemo again.