Implantation metastasis after needle biopsy of liver tumor.

Abstract

Implantation of tumor cells in the track of a needle biopsy of the liver apparently occurs rarely. It was observed in one reported instance after needle aspiration of a malignant hepatoma.1Another instance involving hepatoma was mentioned in a discussion.2It has not been encountered in Schiff's extensive experience.3The case reported below is the only such in an experience which included 41 aspirated malignant tumors, 34 of them from the liver. Report of a Case A 59-year-old male had an abdominoperineal resection of an adenocarcinoma of the rectum in July, 1953, and was observed regularly thereafter for recurrence. Beginning in December, 1955, he had indigestion, gradual weight loss, liver enlargement, and a gradually rising serum alkaline phosphatase level. Needle aspiration biopsy of the liver through an anterior approach in July, 1956, revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma. In December, 1956, a metastatic nodule was found in the abdominal skin