What is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis of primary liver cancer?

A liver biopsy is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis of primary liver cancer.

A liver biopsy is most often performed using image-guided techniques, such as ultrasound or CT scanning. During the procedure, the doctor inserts a thin needle through the skin and into the liver to collect a small sample of tissue. This tissue is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to look for cancer cells.

In some cases, a surgical biopsy may be necessary to obtain the tissue sample. This type of biopsy is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia.