CancerCompass message board discussion started by Momdadzz on 1/8/2006 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,3961,0.htm Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My father had a CT scan and they found a small mass on his liver. His blood tests are all normal. Doctors can't tell if the mass is cancer. SO they want to do a core needle biopsy of the liver tissues. If the mass is cancer, We are worried that the biopsy might spread the cancer cells along the needle track. If it's cancer, doctor say it can be removed. but they surgery has its own risks. so they want to do a biopsy first to avoid unnecessary surgery. We are not sure what to do. Any suggestions/advice? thanks. Momdadzz Sun, 08 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT The same thing happpened to me. My doctor doesn't thing scans are necessary and I really need to know if there is any cancer left in my body. I live in Australia and I assume that the Australian government does not cover the cost for these scans. I assume that's why GP's are not allowed to write referrals. I was also denied to have blood tests (tumour markers). I offered to pay for it from my own pocket but it was still rejected. Now I am looking for help abroad. Elisa Elisa21 Fri, 12 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT Sorry I just send you the wrong message. I am new to this. I don't like needle biopsies either, because there is a danger that the cancer might spread because of it, no matter what doctors tell you. On the other hand it is hard to determine if it is cancer without a biopsy. I would look on the internet for alternative ways. Best wishes Elisa21 Fri, 12 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT