Could the movable lump in the throat be cancer and does doing biopsy spread the cancer?
Patient: Hi, may I have some suggestion about the biopsy?My aunt is having a small lump in the left side of the throat for last 5-6 months. Her age is 64. There is no pain and the lump is not fixed. Its moving. Doctor suspecting cancer and suggested to have a biopsy. My question is - if it is cancer, is there any risk of spreading the cancer if we do a biopsy? Doctor: Hello!Thank you for the query.Yes, it can be the cancer. Especially if she smokes. Biopsy can be done and should not spread it. However if the lump is small, instead of biopsy it should be removed in one peace and tested by a pathologist.Please consult laryngologist with this issue.Hope this will help.Regards.