Understanding Liver Biopsy
A liver biopsy is a special procedure that’s safe and quick. It can help your doctor assess the health of the liver.
Who Needs a Liver Biopsy?
A liver biopsy may be done if you have:
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Symptoms of a liver problem, such as jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes or dark urine), due to infection, scarring, or damage from medications
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Abnormal liver imaging or blood tests
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A chronic liver condition
What a Liver Biopsy Can Do
A liver biopsy helps your doctor diagnose a liver problem, such as cirrhosis or a fatty liver. It also aids him or her in assessing the cause and severity of your liver problem.
Possible Risks and Complications
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Infection
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Internal bleeding from the liver
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Damage to organs near the liver (lungs, gallbladder, or intestines)
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Need for a second liver biopsy if not enough liver tissue was obtained the first time
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Publication Source:
Cherath L, The Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer: A Guide to Cancer and Its Treatments, 2nd ed., Liver biopsy, 2006, pp 671-673
Online Medical Reviewer:
Trahan, Katherine MD
Date Last Reviewed:
8/2/2004
Date Last Modified:
7/9/2002