One of the most common fears among patients being evaluated for lung cancer is this: “Can a biopsy make my cancer spread?” It’s completely understandable to worry—but here’s what top doctors like Dr. Pallavi want you to know: this is largely a myth.
A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue is taken from a suspicious area in the lung so it can be examined under a microscope. This sample tells pathologists whether cancer is present, what type it is, and often what treatment may work best. A biopsy is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
The Fear of “Spreading” Cancer
Many patients fear that puncturing a tumor with a needle might dislodge cancer cells and push them into other parts of the body. This idea sounds scary—but here’s the reassuring medical reality: the risk of cancer spreading due to a biopsy is extremely low.
Medical research and clinical practice show that while in theory a tiny number of cells could be displaced along the needle track—known as tumor seeding—such events are very rare and generally not something patients need to worry about. Most biopsies, especially needle biopsies used for lung evaluation, are designed to be safe, precise, and minimal.
Dr. Pallavi helps debunk this myth in her talks, emphasizing that avoiding a biopsy because of fear can actually be more harmful. Without a biopsy, doctors may not know whether the suspicious lesion is cancerous, what type it is, or how aggressive it might be—information that’s critical for choosing the right treatment.
Benefits Far Outweigh the Risks
Yes, biopsies can have side effects—such as mild bleeding, discomfort, or very rarely pneumothorax (a small collapsed lung)—but these are manageable and uncommon in experienced hands. Most importantly, a biopsy gives doctors the certainty needed to plan treatment, which can dramatically improve outcomes.