Needle Biopsy and Breast Sentinel Node Metastases Researchers report in the June issue of the Archives of Surgery that the incidence of sentinel node metasases seems higher in those who had fine needle aspiration (FNA), or large gauge needle core biopsies with invasive bresast cancer This work was done at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. 663 women with biopsy-proven invasive breast cancer were studied. Of the 676 cancers identified in these patients, 126 were biopsied by FNA, 227 by large-gauge needle core biopsy and the remaining 323 by excisional biopsy. There was a higher incidence of sentinel node metastases in patients who had undergone FNA (odds ratio, 1.53) or large-gauge needle core biopsy (1.48) than in those who had had excision. Tumor size and grade were also significant prognostic factors. Researchers theorize that disruption of the tumor may be the issue. Ann's NOTE: It has been theorized in the past that cutting or taking part of a tumor, or even removing the whole thing, may put a patient at higher risk of metastases. Some suggest that cancer cells are 'freed' to circulate more easily. Arch Surg 2004;139:634-640. Thanks to Reuters Health Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.