Biopsy through Back

[anrean]

I am in the process of being dx'd with NSCLC and am wondering if anyone else has had a biopsy through their back? This is a distinct possibility for me and I am spooked by it since I fractured my back in multiple places (C3, T8, L4, L5). The Navigational Broncoscopy was inconclusive - doctor didn't get enough tissue. If this is cancer, and it probably is since the tumor has doubled in size in one month (3 cm - yes, Cm) it will be my 7th primary cancer - when does it end???

Oh, and can anyone else feel the tumor? My oncologist said I am feeling it pushing on the chest wall. The usual pain meds don't do a thing so any suggestions on how to handle this are greatly appreciated!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

I recently had a biopsy to my lower right lobe (through my back). What they are looking at is close to the spine. They went between the ribs just fine. I also be have a history of collapsed vertebrae (T6-9).

They numbed it well. The first numbing sting hurt more than the rest of the process. I could feel some pressure but no pain with the biopsy needle. That's about all I remember of my first biopsy in 2010, as well

Have they done genetic testing? I know they'll do genomic testing on the tumor. I had it done and they found an ATM mutation which is a driver in some breast cancers and in pancreatic cancer so we screen for that now

Meanwhile try icing the area. That's all I can think of since meds aren't helping. Ask them to rush the biopsy.

[anrean in reply to Denzie]

They will do genetic testing when they get enough tissue to do it. I had a biopsy but there wasn't enough tissue so they want more. Because of the heart attack they are doing an angiogram before the new biopsy to make sure I don't code on the table that's scheduled for Monday

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to anrean]

The tissue they need to get from the tumor is for biomarker ( genomic) testing. The difference between genetic and genomic testing can be confusing. The genetic testing is usually done with a blood draw.

Genetic testing will tell you if the mutation your cancer has is something you were born with rather than a mutation you've acquired Knowing the genetic mutation tells them where to be extra careful monitoring for cancer Genomic/biomarker testing tells them the best treatment for your cancer.

[Jenniferroseolson]

i am so sorry for what you are going through. As Denzie noted, while you may prefer otherwise, this biopsy will hopefully gather enough tissue for a complete biomarker panel , the results of which will dramatically affect and improve the treatment plan and overall outcomes. I was so ill that my initial biopsy experience is a blur, but when I had localized progression years later, I do recall the needle biopsy similar to Denzie in that the numbing was more “painful” than the biopsy itself. As for pain relief, do you have a palliative care professional at your cancer center who is specifically tasked with helping with symptoms? I learned a lot from them, and they also prescribed fentynl patches which were far more effective for me than oral pain medications. If not, don’t be afraid to reach out to the nurse or nurse navigator or whomever answers the call at an oncologist office. Best wishes

[Ellbeesf]

Yes, my husband’s biopsy was through his back. No issues at all.

Be sure to request that some tissue be sent to “the Foundation” so they can test for any mutations which would be receptive to Targeted Therapy.

The best of luck to you!

[Ellbeesf]

He also had a “liquid biopsy”, which is a simple blood draw. That was also used for the bio marker testing. (We did this too because we were concerned that there would be issues with the tissue drawn during the biopsy because the lab “forgot” to send it out. )

Both tests showed the same results.

[etpd2226]

Hello, so sorry you are dealing with this. I did not have biopsies through my back but multiple ones through broncoscopy. I was diagnosed with naclc stae iv over four years ago and am doing well.

I am a firm believer in patients knowing their bodies best. We live in our bodies everyday. Our bodies offer is much wisdom if we pay attent. I would highly encourage you to trust your gut and proceed with your wisdom. You are wise to ask others who can share their experiences with you and help you to make more informed decisions. Explore all possible biopsy options.

Best of luck to you. 🙏

[myarabella]

Do you have APS? If so , it is highly recommended not to have a biopsy in certain places because of the risk of throwing a clot or of you are on thinners, bleeding. I am seeing this on my APS feed so if you do not ha e APS please disregard if you do please reply.