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A member asked:
Is there a risk that the liver biopsy might cause the cancer to spread?
11 doctors weighed in across 5 answers
Yes: It is reported but luckily a rare event. Many times a liver biopsy is not necessary to diagnose liver cancer and imaging of the liver is enough to make the diagnosis.
Answered 9/28/2016
6.6k views
Yes: Althought the risk is low it certain has been reported where cancers has spread in the biopsy tract. Not all liver cancers require biopsy. If the alpha-fetoprotein is greater than 250 it is likely liver cancer. Also many liver cancers have a classic pattern on MRI or triple phase ct where it shows up on the arterial phase.
Answered 3/12/2020
6.6k views
No: Though this has been demonstrated with head and neck cancers, i don't believe the literature has demonstrated spread of liver cancer by biopsy.
Answered 10/15/2013
6.5k views
Yes: Any type of biopsy has the potential to increase the spread of cancer. The risk appears to be small, but is a consideration to take into account.
Answered 12/29/2014
6.5k views
No.: There is no evidence that biopsy increases the risk of other metastases of cancer. On the contrary, knowing exactly what kind of cancer (if any) the patient has is essential for its proper management.
Answered 12/29/2014
3.4k views
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