Debunking the Myth: Do Biopsies Cause Cancer to Spread?
- Kafayat Yusuf
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
A cancer diagnosis can be terrifying and overwhelming. Amid the emotional stress, searching for information online often leads to confusion, with conflicting claims circulating, especially about standard procedures like biopsies. One persistent myth is that biopsies cause cancer to spread. In this article, we address that concern using evidence-based research.
A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. It is the gold standard for diagnosing cancer, helping doctors determine whether a suspicious lesion is benign or malignant. Biopsies also provide crucial insights into the cancer’s type, grade, and stage, which are essential for developing an effective treatment plan. In some cases, molecular testing of biopsy tissue can even uncover genetic mutations that help guide targeted therapies (1).
Several types of biopsies are available, including needle biopsies, endoscopic biopsies, surgical excisions, and bone marrow biopsies, each selected based on the tumor’s location and characteristics (1, 2).
Understanding the Concern
The fear that biopsies may cause cancer to spread stems from the idea that disrupting a tumor could dislodge cancer cells, allowing them to migrate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form new tumors elsewhere. While this is theoretically possible, decades of research have shown that such occurrences are extremely rare.
What the Research Says
Numerous studies across various cancer types have debunked this myth:
Mayo Clinic Study: Involving over 2,000 patients, this study found that individuals who underwent biopsies had better outcomes and longer survival than those who did not, refuting the idea that biopsies worsen prognosis (3).
American Cancer Society: A comprehensive review highlighted that the risk of cancer spreading due to a biopsy is extremely low and emphasized that the diagnostic benefits far outweigh this minimal risk (4).
National Cancer Institute (NCI): The NCI affirms that the risk of cancer cell spread during biopsy or surgery is very low. Strict surgical protocols are in place to prevent this outcome (5).
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Research from this institute further supported previous findings, showing improved survival in patients who had biopsies to confirm diagnosis and guide treatment (6).
Just like every other scientific approach, biopsies aren’t always foolproof, but the benefits often outweigh the risks. A 2023 study titled "Biopsy tract seeding in musculoskeletal sarcomas: myth or reality?" offers new insights. In this prospective analysis of 48 patients with soft tissue and bone sarcomas, tumor seeding occurred in only 2 patients (4.2%), reaffirming that the risk is low but not nonexistent (7).
Additionally, experts at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center emphasize the importance of having biopsies performed and interpreted by trained cancer specialists to ensure accuracy and reduce potential complications (8).
Conclusion
Biopsies are a critical tool in cancer diagnosis. The myth that they cause cancer to spread is not supported by scientific evidence. While minor risks exist, as with any medical procedure, the benefits overwhelmingly outweigh them. Delaying a biopsy out of fear may lead to missed early detection and poorer outcomes. If you have concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. Remember: biopsies remain a cornerstone of accurate, evidence-based cancer care.
References
6. https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2017/05/can-a-tumor-biopsy-or-surgery-cause-cancer-to-spread/?
7. Subbiah, Shanmugam & Aravind, S.. (2023). Biopsy tract seeding in musculoskeletal sarcomas: myth or reality?. International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics. 9. 1225-1228. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20233268
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