Fact Check: The claim that needle biopsy accelerates cancer by spreading 'toxins' in the tumor is false

Teyit.org has investigated the claim circulating on social media that "needle biopsy accelerates the progression of cancer by releasing toxins trapped inside the tumor into the body." The analysis stated that the claim in question is not true.

According to Teyit's assessment, cancer is a disease that emerges due to changes in the genes that control the growth and division of cells. A tumor refers to tissue masses formed by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal or damaged cells. Therefore, the claim that tumors are "beneficial bubbles" that trap toxins in the body has no scientific basis.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF BIOPSY?

Needle biopsy is one of the diagnostic methods that allows for a small tissue sample to be taken from a suspicious area for examination. This procedure guides physicians in determining the presence and type of cancer. According to the sources cited by Teyit, there is no such mechanism as "spreading toxins into the body" when the needle enters the tumor.

In the medical literature regarding biopsy, a rare risk known as "tumor seeding" is mentioned. In this case, some loose cancer cells can adhere to the needle and be carried along the path the needle travels. However, research shows that this probability is very low.

The analysis also emphasized that delaying a biopsy could create a greater risk in terms of cancer progression. It was noted that physicians can utilize techniques such as local anesthesia with epinephrine and coaxial needles to reduce potential risks in needle biopsies.

In its assessment, Teyit cited sources from the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the National Library of Medicine. Consequently, the claim that needle biopsy releases "toxins" in the tumor and accelerates cancer was classified as "false."