Dr. Salik Jahania, Erlanger Heart and Lung InstituteQ: Can cancer surgery or a tumor biopsy cause cancer to spread in the body?
A: Patients often have questions regarding a myth associated with cancer surgery that the cancer will spread once it is exposed to air or that surgery for the removal of the cancer can lead to its spread. The simple answer to this question is no.
There is no evidence that surgery to remove locally confined early stage cancer leads to the spread of the disease. There is also no proof to suggest that obtaining a biopsy before surgery or other treatment will lead to the spread of the cancer. It is important that patients and their families review all treatment options with their physician in order to achieve the best possible outcome. To address questions regarding the treatment options for any type of cancer, there is no substitute for a consultation with a cancer specialist.
– Dr. Salik Jahania, Erlanger Heart and Lung Institute; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society