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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Biopsy After MRI Showing Third Spot In The Liver With History Of Having Rectal Cancer Safe?

I had rectal cancer that was removed 2 years ago, a year ago a CT scan showed two spots in the liver, doctors recommended MRI to the liver to confirm if it was cancer, first MRI didn t confirm, but second MRI performed three moths after did show a third spot and the bigger spot (1.8 cm) growing 3 mlimiters compare to previous MRI. Since I had bowel cancer previously doctors are almost certain this is a metastasis to the liver, but oncologist is recommending a liver biopsy. I don t want to do this as I understand there is a risk of cancer seeding and I am suggesting to get surgery without having the biopsy. Can I have your opinion please, is biopsy risky in this case?
posted on Tue, 8 Apr 2014
Twitter Thu, 10 Apr 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 10 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
The past history of bowel cancer followed by increasing lesions in liver do suggest metastasis. still,
If oncologist insists on biopsy of liver lesion ( it must be safe),you should get it done.The biopsy is not that risky as it was before. Apart from confirming the diagnosis biopsy provides most up to date cancer characters & it will help in choosing treatment regime too.
Thanks.
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Is Biopsy After MRI Showing Third Spot In The Liver With History Of Having Rectal Cancer Safe?

Hi, The past history of bowel cancer followed by increasing lesions in liver do suggest metastasis. still, If oncologist insists on biopsy of liver lesion ( it must be safe),you should get it done.The biopsy is not that risky as it was before. Apart from confirming the diagnosis biopsy provides most up to date cancer characters & it will help in choosing treatment regime too. Thanks.