Liver Biopsy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Should this be a Routine?

The diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in many cases can be made on the basis of imaging alone. There are validated algorithms that have high specificity for the diagnosis of HCC. In these cases, a biopsy is not necessary for diagnosis. However, many practitioners still advocate the use of a biopsy in order to accumulate tissue that can be used for research purposes. In today’s ethical climate, this practice would be considered unethical unless patient consent is obtained. To subject a patient to a potentially risky procedure for research purposes without obtaining informed consent is no longer permissible.