Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the liver

The liver is a commonly targeted deep-seated organ in which fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is performed. By far, the most frequently encountered lesions on FNAB of the liver are metastases; however, a wide variety of other lesions have been described and are likely to be encountered. Because of this wide variety, attention to architectural as well as cytologic features on smears and cell block preparations, ancillary techniques, and special studies are often required. In the setting of proper specimen handling and judicious use of ancillary procedures, FNAB of hepatic lesions can be an accurate diagnostic procedure.