Our Summary

The research is about a type of liver cancer called hepatoblastoma, and how it is diagnosed through liver biopsy - a procedure where a piece of the liver tissue is removed to be studied. The researchers looked at the records of 153 patients who underwent liver biopsy.

They found that the method used for biopsy (whether it was guided by CT scan, ultrasound, etc.) or the specialist who did the procedure (surgeon or radiologist) did not affect the success of the diagnosis. However, they did find that more samples of tissue (more than 3) increased the chances of a more detailed diagnosis (subclassification).

In simple words, this research shows that liver biopsy is a safe and effective way to diagnose hepatoblastoma, and taking more tissue samples could give more detailed information about the disease. The way the biopsy is done or who does it doesn’t seem to matter in terms of getting an accurate diagnosis. The rate of complications from the procedure is very low.

FAQs

  1. What type of liver cancer is diagnosed through liver biopsy according to the research?
  2. Does the method of biopsy or the specialist performing the procedure impact the success of the diagnosis?
  3. How does taking more samples of tissue affect the diagnosis of hepatoblastoma?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about liver biopsy is to discuss with your healthcare provider about the number of tissue samples to be taken during the procedure. Taking more than 3 samples can increase the chances of getting a more detailed diagnosis. Additionally, it is important to follow post-biopsy care instructions provided by your healthcare provider to minimize any potential risks or complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a liver biopsy include those suspected of having liver cancer, liver inflammation, liver fibrosis or cirrhosis, or unexplained abnormalities in liver function tests. Liver biopsy may also be recommended for monitoring the progression of liver disease, evaluating the response to treatment, or determining the cause of liver abnormalities. Additionally, liver biopsy may be recommended for patients with suspected liver tumors, such as hepatoblastoma, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Timeline

Before liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is referred for liver biopsy by their doctor after imaging tests (such as CT scan or ultrasound) show abnormalities in the liver.
  2. Patient may undergo blood tests to assess liver function and clotting ability.
  3. Patient may be instructed to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure.
  4. Patient may meet with a specialist to discuss the procedure and potential risks.

During liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is positioned on their back or side on a procedure table.
  2. The skin over the liver is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
  3. A needle is inserted through the skin and into the liver to collect a small piece of tissue.
  4. The patient may feel a brief discomfort or pressure during the procedure.

After liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is monitored for a few hours to check for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection.
  2. Patient may experience some pain or soreness at the biopsy site for a few days.
  3. Results of the biopsy are sent to the doctor who will discuss them with the patient and determine the next steps in treatment.

Overall, the liver biopsy procedure is relatively quick and safe, and can provide important information for diagnosing and treating liver conditions such as hepatoblastoma.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the liver biopsy in diagnosing hepatoblastoma?
  2. How will the biopsy results impact my treatment plan?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a liver biopsy?
  4. How many tissue samples will be taken during the biopsy?
  5. Will the biopsy be guided by imaging techniques such as CT scan or ultrasound?
  6. Who will be performing the liver biopsy procedure (surgeon or radiologist)?
  7. How long will it take to receive the biopsy results?
  8. Are there any special instructions I need to follow before or after the biopsy?
  9. Will I need to be sedated during the biopsy procedure?
  10. Are there any alternative methods of diagnosing hepatoblastoma besides a liver biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Zheng M, Li J, Hu C, Tan T, Yang J, Pan J, Wu H, Li H, Lu L, Chen X, Zhang X, Xu T, Zou Y, Yang T. Journal: Pediatr Surg Int. 2020 Aug;36(8):909-915. doi: 10.1007/s00383-020-04702-3. Epub 2020 Jun 25. PMID: 32583075