Tumor Cell Dissemination Secondary to Surgical Interventions in the Breast

Dissemination secondary to surgical interventions is an issue that arises in conversations between patients and providers prior to breast biopsy. Research supports needle biopsies over incisional or excisional biopsies in most situations. Tumor cell dissemination is a rare occurrence. However, the fear of dissemination as experienced by the patient is very real. That fear may influence the patient's decision to proceed with a recommended biopsy.