Core Biopsy, now concerned about the needle track

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fleur-de-lis
fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
edited August 2016 in Waiting for Test Results

hello ladies,

I had my core biopsy today, and I did ask both the radiologist and the nurse team if cancer can "seed" from a core biopsy ( if positive findings, not benign.....although precancerous conditions might be included in this conversation) and was told that it was "possible, but not too common"

First off, these ladies do know that I read and contact centers such as the NIH and NCI for information, to search out published academic papers regarding cancer subject matter( hey, I am a control freak and a info geek.....helps control the stress and anxiety of the darn unknown)..the NIH has published papers stating that the seeding of previous non invasive cells has indeed happened.

Now, I do know that current " theory" on DCIS suggests that it requires another genetic change/mutation prior to becoming invasive outside of the ducts, no? Correct me here( pretty please🤔) if wrong....

Wondering " out loud" what the time frame might be on such a polymorphic change? Anyone seen any research regarding that issue?

Now, I do not "know" if there will be a DX of DCIS. Or any other DX. At this time...although the a previous biopsy in 2010 did find ALH in my right breast....so...well....that could suggest a DX related to LCIS, or the more invasive ILC

Now.......the REALLY important question....IF there is some sort of low level pre cancerous condition ( that does not require treatment such as radiation or chemo) found yet again.....along with the lumpectomy.....can, and "should"I request that they remove the "needle track" area along with the rest of the tissue? This would mean a much larger area of the left breast removed, but I believe it to be a safer option in the long run?

I am very small chested, and had a previous 9CM Phyllodes tumor, which took a good sized chunk out of my right breast back in 2009...I have not pursued any reconstruction on that breast.

If, they take another large section out of the left....I am going to need some real cosmetic/reconstructive assistance, as there may not be much breast tissue left. I might be on my way to a BMX....especially if skin/nip sparing is in the offering

Looking for your suggestions, experiences and wisdom....as this is too much to contemplate alone

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited August 2016

    fleur-de-lis, I was so impressed with the skill and outcome from good plastic surgery. It seems like light years ahead of BC treatment. I literally feel fixed by my DIEP. I've also heard of horror stories but thankfully I had a good surgeon.

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited August 2016

    What did Joan Rivers say "I want to be buried with my plastic surgeon". She was so funny.

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  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2016

    thanks Meow...cute name!

    Glad you like your DIEP....sadly not an option for me due to Factor V Leiden ( genetic clotter)

    Nothing like a great PS, Joan Rivers was right😎


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  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2016

    still wondering if anyone has any thoughts or information regarding the biopsy needle track?

    Perhaps I shared "too much" information in my OP....and that concern got lost in translation?

    Like everyone else, just trying to provide as much info as possible "up front" so people have the correct information/ historyto comment on......

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited August 2016

    Hi Fleur, I think your question is addressed by this answer: Can biopsy spread cancer?

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  • Lisa123456
    Lisa123456 Member Posts: 56
    edited August 2016

    Fleur-de-lis, I was also concerned about this. From my research, the tumor seeding after needle biopsy is possible but doesn't happen often. Vacuum-assisted biopsy is better in that regard. Also, the displaced tumor cells tend to "die" outside of the tumor environment.

    Here's one of the papers on the subject: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3473763/

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  • fleur-de-lis
    fleur-de-lis Member Posts: 107
    edited August 2016

    Hi Muska and Lisa,

    Thanks for taking the time to reply🤗

    Although I agree that for tumorigenesis, the cells need to go thru several genetic changes. As an example,DCIS has that one last genetic step/ mutation before it has the ability to become invasive.

    So I agree with all facts on that particular issue. Facts such as we know them "at this time" in the world of breast cancer research, which, like any science, is always envolving. Medicine is a science, as well as an art, so I always consider "other possibilities".....drives some folks nuts(DH tells me to "give the grey matter a break" from time to time.) Like the Leonard Skynard song "Freebird" says....."Lord help me, I can't change"😏

    But, there is a decent amount of patients who are DX.ed via pathology of the core biopsy.....and the DX is upgraded, or changed upon excisional surgical biopsies.

    So, I am most worried about a small invasive cancer possibly being seeded along the needle tract.

    I asked my BS yesterday, and he removes the tract line with the lumpectomy. So we are on the same page there

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