Should we biopsy each liver mass suspicious for HCC before liver transplantation?–No, please don't

摘要: Liver transplantation (LT) is curative therapy in selected cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it removes both the tumour and premalignant cirrhotic liver [1–3]. In Europe, 10% LT were performed for HCC from 1988 to 1997 [4]. Two groups patients with are considered transplant [2]. One has a background decompensated cirrhosis. The indication much failing HCC. presence gives patient higher priority transplantation, shorten waiting times possible so prevent growth tumour, well drop out list [2,3,5]. Biopsy suspected nodule, or largest nodule if multiple ones exist (providing number size within current criteria [2–4]), would not change therefore, biopsy unnecessary. second group formed by well-compensated cirrhosis, thus needing short term cirrhosis per se. These usually have diagnosed during surveillance programs [10]. progress imaging methods will most likely increase discovery potentially malignant but small nodules such patients. If one find no HCC, risk mortality year [4], respect being earlier than necessary. Thus, clinical problem whether occurs this group. With 2 cm diameter more, diagnosis complicating can be made two techniques [ultrasound (US), Computed Tomography (CT) Magnetic resonance (MRI), hepatic arteriography] showing increased vascularity characteristics technique associated aFPO