Fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of liver neoplasms: a review.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for the diagnosis of liver neoplasms is a safe, rapid, and accurate technique. It is most useful in patients with a hepatic mass(es) and a previously diagnosed malignant neoplasm. With the current application of immunocytochemical techniques, accurate cytologic diagnoses can be made in most primary and secondary hepatic neoplasms. The equipment necessary to perform FNAB is simple, inexpensive, and readily available. The principle of this technique is to obtain a representative cellular aspirate via a small bore needle and produce a stained image on a microscopic slide that reflects the disease process in the patients. Techniques and clinical skills of FNAB and experiences of interpretation are required to make maximal use of this diagnostic modality.