Needle Track Seeding of Liver Cancer After Biopsy
Author Information
Author(s): Timothy G. John, O. James Garden
Primary Institution: University Department of Surgery, The Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh
Hypothesis
The risk of needle track recurrence of liver tumours should not be regarded as insignificant.
Conclusion
Needle track seeding of liver carcinomas may not be as rare as previously claimed.
Supporting Evidence
- Needle track seeding of liver carcinomas may not be as rare as previously claimed.
- Two cases of needle track seeding were reported following percutaneous liver biopsy.
- Biopsies were unnecessary for diagnosis in both cases as imaging suggested malignancy.
Takeaway
Sometimes when doctors take a sample from a liver tumor, tiny bits of cancer can spread along the needle path, which can make it harder to treat later.
Methodology
Case reports of two patients who experienced needle track seeding after percutaneous liver biopsy.
Potential Biases
No direct evidence that core-cutting needles significantly increase the risk of tumour seeding.
Limitations
The true incidence of needle track seeding may be under-reported as many patients die from cancer before the seeding becomes apparent.
Participant Demographics
Two patients: a 71-year-old male and a 59-year-old female.
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