Needle tract seeding: an avoidable complication

Abstract

Needle tract seeding refers to implantation of tumor cells by contamination when instruments like biopsy needles are used to examine, excise or ablate a tumor. Implantation along needle tract may lead to change of stage of the tumor, converting a resectable tumor into an inoperable one. In this paper we have reviewed the cases of needle tract seeding due to fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) procedure. We analyzed the various aspects of needle tract seedling and suggested how to take precautionary measures to prevent it.

Keywords: cytology; fine needle; needle tract; seedling.