Comparison of core and fine needle aspiration biopsies for diagnosis of liver masses.

Background/aims: Core biopsy of liver mass comprises an alternative to fine needle aspiration biopsy. We decided to compare diagnoses established with the use of both methods and assess whether the use of both methods together is warranted.

Methodology: Each of the 116 patients enrolled in study underwent a guided fine needle and core biopsy of liver tumor. The results were compared. Histopathologic diagnoses of carcinomas were supported by immunohistochemistry (anti-CK7, anti-CK19, anti-CK20 and Hepatocyte antibodies).

Results: In 83 out of 116 cases (71.5%), major cytological and histopathological diagnoses (malignancy vs. benign lesion vs. diagnosis impossible) were univocal. In one case, establishing diagnoses was not possible due to 'non-diagnostic' material harvested during both biopsies. In 15 cases, diagnoses were established solely on the basis of one examination In 13 cases, histopathologic diagnosis was contrary (malignant vs. benign) to cytologic diagnosis. In 27 cases histopathologic examination enabled us to reach more precise diagnosis than cytological examination. Despite the simultaneous use of both methods, we were able to establish definite diagnoses only in 29.3% of malignant cases.

Conclusions: Although core biopsy provided more information and more precise information than fine needle biopsy, most complete results were achieved with the use of both methods together.