How often is a biopsy wrong?

Question

About 3 months ago a tumor was found in my mums lung, we were told it was only small, and in that time it has only grown 1mm. we were told that because she had not lost any weight, everything looked good and she would probably just have to have it taken out and it was unlikely that she would need any further treatment. But then her biopsy results said that it is behaving like small cell cancer. Is it more likely that her Dr's are wrong or the biopsy? And what will happen if it is small cell cancer? Can she still have chemo or something?

Thanks

Spreedog · Accepted Answer

Curious question.
Was the primary lung lesion "taken out" surgically 3 months ago?
Small cell lung cancers would be rarely cured with surgery alone.
Pathologists can be wrong on occasion - but not often.
If this were a small cell carcinoma of the lung, it should have grown dramatically in the three months you describe.   These are relatively fast growing malignancies - which is why they respond so well to combination chemotherapy.  She could certainly have chemotherapy for small cell lung carcinoma if the diagnosis is accurate.

h3re2h3lp · Answer

If a needle biopsy was taken, the accuracy depends about the factors, but most needle biopsies will be relatively accurate. 

I think if it does turn out that it is a small cell cancer, chemotherapy will most probably be available depending on how fast the cancer is spreading.

You really should ask your mothers doctor these questions, they are there to explain the process and to make you feel at ease about coping through this difficult time for you. 

I hope everything turns out well for you and your family.

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How often is a biopsy wrong?

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