Risk Factors for Needle Track Seeding Following Needle Biopsy of a Hepatocellular Carcinoma

 

Tumor factors associated with metastases along a needle biopsy track:

(1) large tumor

(2) subcapsular location (little or no normal liver along needle track)

(3) poorly differentiated carcinoma

 

Procedural factors associated with metastases along a biopsy needle track:

(1) large bore needle

(2) multiple passes

(3) failure to use a covering sheath

 

The use of radiofrequency pulses can be used to "sterilize" the needle tract.

 

Other factors:

(1) longer survival post-procedure

(2) failure to resect track during surgery to remove tumor