UTZ-Guided Liver Biopsy Procedure

Patients with many forms of chronic liver disease may develop tumors in the liver. While the most important of tumors is hepatocellular carcinoma (basically cancer of the liver), other tumors, both benign and malignant may occur as well. Most of these tumors are identified through various imaging techniques including Ultrasound, CT and MRI. Although these scans are the best way to identify developing liver tumors, their appearance does not always indicate the type. Even if the tumor is thought to be malignant, it may be helpful to doctors to be able to see a piece of the tumor under the microscope in order to determine the best treatment.

There are various ways to perform biopsies. Many patients with chronic liver disease will have already had a biopsy to obtain a tiny piece of tissue in order to assess the overall degree of damage to the liver. When a mass, or tumor, is identified on a scan, however, the tissue must be taken from the mass itself and guidance of the biopsy under ultrasound or CT is necessary.

At USC we prefer to begin with Ultrasound (UTZ), as our doctors are highly skilled in using this form of guidance and it has several inherent advantages over other techniques. Alternatively, if the mass is not well seen using ultrasound, CT may be used. In reality, which technique is selected is of little importance to the patient and may be decided after the patient arrives based on ease of approach. Dr. Edward Grant and the other Radiologists who perform guided biopsies (often 2 perform the procedure together) have extensive experience with ultrasound guided liver biopsies and a very high success rate in obtaining an adequate sample of tissue.