Risks and consequences of tumoural seeding after percutaneous fine-needle biopsy for diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

A review of the literature shows that tumour seeding after fine-needle biopsy of a hepatocellular carcinoma is observed in 0.6 to 5.1% of cases. This complication may be detected between one and 72 months after needle biopsy, and the lapse of time between biopsy and diagnosis of recurrence is influenced neither by the tumour grading nor by the diametre of the needle and number of puncture. In most cases, needle biopsy is not necessary to establish the surgical indication and may compromise the result of surgery; it should therefore be restricted to exceptional cases. Because needle-tract seeding may be the sole tumour recurrence, close follow-up of patients who have undergone pre-operative needle biopsy is important for early detection and possible cure.