Sheldon S. Bastacky, Patrick C. Walsh, and Jonathan I. Epstein:

Needle Biopsy Associated Tumor Tracking of Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate

Journal of Urology; 145:1003-1007, May 1991.

Our data suggest that sub clinical seeding is a more prevalent process than was formerly believed. In particular, tumor seeding within the needle track can occur following trans rectal biopsy, a phenomenon that has never been previously recognized. Furthermore, our study also demonstrates the novel finding of seeding following the thin needle biopsy gun technique." (3 of 7 patients).

In view of these findings, it is important for physicians to realize that they may no longer be dealing with stages A or B. It is essential to watch for this phenomenon, and if present, the patient's disease should be upstaged to pathological stage C and dealt with accordingly. This information seems not to be common knowledge among many physicians.