Researchers from the UK have reported that the risk of needle track seeding following biopsy of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is approximately 3%. The details of this meta-analysis were published in the November 2008 issue of Gut.[1]
Needle biopsies or needle aspiration are widely used techniques for diagnosing various cancers including HCC. Needle track seeding has been reported in a variety of cancers included parotid, thyroid, breast, mesothelioma, and melanoma. However, in most instances needle tract seeding is rare and relatively unimportant, especially for diseases like breast cancer where women usually receive adjuvant therapy.
Researchers from the United Kingdom recently conducted a clinical study to identify the true incidence of needle track seeding among patients undergoing a needle biopsy for suspected HCC. This study included a review of data from eight studies that had published results prior to March 2007. Overall, the incidence of needle track seeding was 2.7%. These authors concluded: “The pooled estimate of a patient with seeding per 100 patients per year was 0.009.”
Comments: These results help to establish the true risk of needle track seeding among patients undergoing a biopsy for HCC. A recent study using a coaxial cutting needle technique had a 0% needle track seeing rate following over 1,000 liver biopsies for HCC.[2] This technique uses a needle introducer that remains in position during multiple cutting needle passes and protects normal tissue along the tract.
Related News:
Minimally Invasive Ultrasound Guided Endoscopy Superior to Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Staging of Lung Cancer (02/14/2008)
Needle Biopsy Preferable to Surgical Biopsy for Diagnosis of Breast Cancer (12/16/2005)
Image-Guided Large-Core Needle Biopsy of Non-Palpable Mammogram Detected Breast Masses Has Low False Negative Rate (10/02/2002)
References:
[1] Silva M, Hegab B, Hyde C, et al. Needle track seeding following biopsy of liver lesions in the diagnosis of hepatocellular cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut. 2008;57:1592-1596
[2] Matmen KE, Nghiem HV, Marrero JA, et al. Lack of tumor seeding of hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous needle biopsy after coaxial cutting needle technique. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2006;187:1184-1187.
© 1998-2007 OncoEd.com All Rights Reserved.
These materials may discuss uses and dosages for therapeutic products that have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. All readers should verify all information and data before administering any drug, therapy or treatment discussed herein. Neither the editors nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or consequences from the use or misuse of the information contained herein.
Patient Home
