Cavernous hemangioma of the liver: role of percutaneous biopsy

Fifteen patients with liver masses detected with imaging were strongly considered clinically to have malignant disease. In each case, the possibility of a hepatic cavernous hemangioma was raised upon review of the images. With use of a 20-gauge Franseen needle, a percutaneous hepatic biopsy was performed in all 15 cases, and the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma was confirmed. There were no complications from the biopsy. Twelve biopsies were performed on an outpatient basis. On the basis of the biopsy results, the care and treatment of each patient were significantly altered. When imaging data are not sufficient to determine that a liver mass is benign, even if the possibility of cavernous hemangioma is entertained, a percutaneous biopsy can be safely performed and can yield a specific histologic diagnosis.