Can cancer cells be released during biopsy?

[Twocapes]

Not sure if this has been addressed before but I was wondering if cancer cells can be released during a needle biopsy procedure?  I was picturing the needle puncturing the nodule with microscopic cells escaping.  I had a lumpectomy with clear margins and no lymph node invovlement but wonder what might have "escaped".

[Twocapes]

Thanks for the calming reply.  

[Computer_Voice]

When they've excised and looked at breast biopsy site tracts of malignant lesions under the microscope, they do, in fact, find many displaced cancer cells along the tracts.  The good news is that the science suggests that these displaced cells do not attach themselves and grow or otherwise become a problem--ie, stay viable.  The thinking is that breast cancer cells can only spread when when they are chemically ready, not just physically displaced.  At least that's the prevailing understanding, and there is a lot of indirect evidence to suggest that it is probably correct.

[Twocapes]

Thank you so much for your Google info although I wasn't too pleased with some of the sites I read.  On 2/26, I'll be four years out from my surgery and doing very well.  I don't know if the needle tract was removed surgically, as one article recommends, but rather doubt it.  I did have radiation (which they recommend) and chemo.  In the past I have had surgical and stereotactic biopsies all of which were benign.  Maybe in the future, I should have the surgical excision.

Anyway, my thoughts and prayers are with you for good results.  Too bad you have to wait two more weeks.
Sheryl

[HazelLynn]

Hi, put NEEDLE TRACT SEEDING into Google or one of the other search engines and it will come up with some information regarding your question.  I have just had a lumpectomy too. glad to hear that you have clear margins and no lymph node involvement - I wont know until the 27th Feb.

Best wishes,
Hazel