The untold story of a cancer biopsy

Yesterday, we started exploring the potential risks of undergoing a biopsy following elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) results.

And I started to explain what happens to your body when any type of biopsy is performed.

Today, let’s continue that conversation…

Biopsy after biopsy

It’s not uncommon for some men to take the “watch and wait” approach when it comes to prostate cancer.

But in my view, this is often leads to repeated biopsies.

Even after treatment, many oncologists recommend re-biopsy as a precaution.

But consider this…

Circulating prostate cancer cells can be detected immediately after a needle biopsy. In fact, in a study of nearly 570 prostate cancer patients, researchers found 70 percent had disseminated tumor cells in the bone marrow before undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Even 20 months post-surgery, nearly 60 percent of patients still showed signs of these cells—associated with a near seven-fold increase in recurrence risk.

So, you tell me: Are these biopsies really worth the risk?

Of course, a similar phenomenon is observed among women with early-stage breast cancer. Research shows that mortality increases when too much time passes between a diagnostic biopsy and definitive surgery.

And here again, the reason could be due to the dissemination of cancer cells after being poked by a needle…

A look inside your body

When you stick a needle in a tumor, it activates certain cells—like macrophages.

These cells seem to have a complex role in cancer, but some research suggests they might promote tumor cell growth.

And of course, inflammation also plays a role.

See, a biopsy can create an inflammatory response inside your body.

As a result, the surrounding biopsied area becomes suppressed, which could allow any present cancer cells to go undetected by your immune system.

Isn’t that frightening?

Rather, it’s maddening. And it’s high time we find a better way.

In the meantime, take a sensible approach to warding off cancer. You can find some science-based strategies in my very own Essential Cancer Protocol. To learn more about this innovative, online learning tool—click here now.

Source:

“Do Prostate Biopsies Promote the Spread of Cancer Cells?” Medscape-UK, 10/25/2024. (medscape.co.uk/viewarticle/do-prostate-biopsies-promote-spread-cancer-cells-2024a1000jj8)