Our Summary

This research paper is about the use of liver biopsies to diagnose unknown liver masses. The study looked back at 293 patients who had a liver biopsy between 2014 and 2018 because they had a liver mass that couldn’t be identified through imaging techniques.

The results showed that out of these 293 biopsies, 246 patients (84%) had cancer. Of these, 210 patients (72%) had cancer that had spread from other parts of the body to the liver (metastatic cancer), and 36 had cancer that started in the liver itself (primary hepatic malignancy).

In the 47 patients who didn’t have cancer, 17 had a dead tissue (necrotic) abscess or granuloma, 16 had normal liver tissue, 8 had liver scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis without cancer, and 6 had benign (non-cancerous) tumors.

The most common original site of the cancer in patients with liver metastases was the breast (11%), followed by the colon and pancreas (each 11%), and the lung (9%).

The study concluded that liver biopsy is a valuable tool for diagnosing unknown liver masses. It was able to diagnose 95% of these masses, and it found cancer in a high percentage of patients who didn’t know they had cancer.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of patients in the study were diagnosed with cancer through a liver biopsy?
  2. What were some of the diagnoses for patients who did not have cancer according to the liver biopsy?
  3. What were the most common original sites of cancer in patients with liver metastases in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about liver biopsy is to follow all pre-procedure instructions carefully. This may include fasting before the procedure and stopping certain medications that can affect blood clotting. It is also important to inform the doctor about any allergies or medical conditions before the biopsy. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful and safe procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a liver biopsy include those with:

  1. Liver masses that cannot be identified through imaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRIs.
  2. Suspicion of liver cancer or metastatic cancer spreading to the liver from other parts of the body.
  3. Liver abnormalities or symptoms such as jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or abnormal liver function tests.
  4. Evaluation of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
  5. Monitoring of liver disease progression or treatment effectiveness.
  6. Evaluation of liver transplant candidacy.
  7. Suspected liver infections or inflammatory conditions.
  8. Evaluation of liver lesions or tumors for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Overall, liver biopsy is recommended for patients with suspected liver conditions that require further investigation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Timeline

Before the liver biopsy, a patient typically undergoes imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to identify a liver mass that cannot be definitively diagnosed. The patient may also undergo blood tests to assess liver function and rule out other potential causes of the mass.

During the liver biopsy procedure, the patient is typically given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted. The doctor then uses ultrasound or CT guidance to guide the needle into the liver and extract a small sample of tissue for examination.

After the liver biopsy, the patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site, which usually resolves within a few days. The patient may also be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a short period of time to allow the liver to heal.

Once the biopsy results are available, the patient and their healthcare team can develop a treatment plan based on the diagnosis. If cancer is detected, further testing and treatment may be necessary, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. If the biopsy reveals a non-cancerous condition, appropriate management and monitoring can be initiated.

Overall, the liver biopsy process can provide valuable information for diagnosing liver masses and guiding appropriate treatment decisions for patients.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about liver biopsy include:

  1. Why do I need a liver biopsy?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of a liver biopsy?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed?
  4. Will I need to take any special precautions before or after the biopsy?
  5. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  6. What will the biopsy results tell us?
  7. What are the potential treatment options based on the biopsy results?
  8. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could be used instead of a liver biopsy?
  9. How experienced is the healthcare team in performing liver biopsies?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or restrictions I should follow after the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Khalifa A, Sasso R, Rockey DC. Journal: Dig Dis Sci. 2022 Jan;67(1):337-343. doi: 10.1007/s10620-021-06822-9. Epub 2021 Feb 19. PMID: 33604792