Seeding during biopsy or needle aspiration

I too was worried about the needle core spreading my cancer. I had a BI-Rad score of 5. They were sure it was cancer. I wanted an excisional biopsy. I wanted them to cut it all out. Why puncture it 5-6 times and run the risk of a cell or 2 escaping and setting up elsewhere. I was so concerned about this I even found a surgeon in Alabama (I live in MI) and considered going there when I could not find a surgeon willing to do an excisional biopsy. However, my tumor was growing and I was scared and no way to get treatment without needle core biopsy, so I succumbed to the pressure against my better judgement. I still believe I should he held out for the excisional biopsy. I did not have lymph involvement prior to the needle core biopsy and 9 days later, I had a palpable lymphnode and it measured 2.6 cm it was cancer. I know it is possible that the cancer had metastasized to the lymph node prior to the biopsy and was not big enough yet. But I believe the biopsy spread my cancer to my lymphnodes. Because of the lymphnode involvement I was not a candidate for immediate reconstruction. I also opted for chemo because of the lymphnodes. Good luck to you and I hope you are able to find a treatment you are comfortable with. There is research that proves the seeding is real, but most breast surgeons still want the needle core biopsies. I believe the isssue is the possibility your spot may not be cancer and an excisional biopsy would then be an unnessesary surgery. In my case there was no question about the cancer.

I definitely have a differing opinion. I believe that the cells that are released during the biopsy are the ones that metastasize after treatment. That is why I wanted to be sure I got systemic treatment such as chemo. There also is no guarantee the tumor hasn't already sloughed off a couple cells before the biopsy either. There are no absolutes in this disease; no guarantees and no "right way" to treat our cancers. Just need to make a plan and not look back, easier said than done.

Hi I hope you don't mind me sharing my experience. I would feel the same you do, except I did not have a biopsy, I had an immediate lumpectomy. A week later I could feel a lump in my armpit (lymph nodes) and it was cancer. Now I'm scared stiff because I had a mammogram recall due to architectural distortion (I had one breast removed) and the new appointment isn't for 7 weeks. The local hospital is having severe staff shortages. Ugh.