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Delayed Tumor Seeding Along Axillary Lymph Node Biopsy Tract Visualized on FDG PET/CT
1From the Department of Radiology, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL.
Metastatic breast cancer can spread along needle biopsy tracts, as shown by serial FDG PET/CT scans. This tumor seeding became visible 10 weeks post-biopsy and continued to progress.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Breast cancer metastasis to axillary lymph nodes is common.
- Core needle biopsy is a standard diagnostic procedure for suspicious lymph nodes.
Observation:
- A patient with breast cancer underwent axillary lymph node biopsy.
- Serial FDG PET/CT scans were performed for monitoring.
Findings:
- Hypermetabolic tumor seeding along the needle biopsy tract was observed.
- This seeding was not evident at 5 weeks but apparent by 10 weeks post-biopsy.
- The tumor seeding showed subsequent progression.
Implications:
- Needle biopsy tracts may serve as a route for tumor cell dissemination.
- FDG PET/CT can detect iatrogenic tumor seeding.
- Consideration of biopsy tract seeding in cancer staging and treatment planning is warranted.
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