Northwest Oncology & Hematology

Rolling Meadows Office: 847.870.4100
Elk Grove Village Office: 847.437.3312
Hoffman Estates Office: 847.885.4100
Barrington Office: 847.842.0180
Elgin Office: 847.577.1023

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Welcome to our health education library. The information shared below is provided to you as an educational and informational source only and is not intended to replace a medical examination or consultation, or medical advice given to you by a physician or medical professional.

Understanding Liver BiopsyBiopsia del h­gado

Understanding Liver Biopsy

Cutaway view of liver

A liver biopsy is a special procedure that's safe and quick. It can help your doctor assess the health of the liver.

Who Needs a Liver Biopsy?

A liver biopsy may be done if you have:

  • Symptoms of a liver problem, such as jaundice (yellowing skin and eyes or dark urine), due to infection, scarring, or damage from medications

  • Abnormal liver imaging or blood tests

  • A chronic liver condition

What a Liver Biopsy Can Do

A liver biopsy helps your doctor diagnose a liver problem, such as cirrhosis or a fatty liver. It also aids him or her in assessing the cause and severity of your liver problem.

Images of liver with cirrhosis and fatty liver

Possible Risks and Complications

  • Infection

  • Internal bleeding from the liver

  • Damage to organs near the liver (lungs, gallbladder, or intestines)

  • Need for a second liver biopsy if not enough liver tissue was obtained the first time

Date Last Reviewed: 2004-08-02T00:00:00-06:00

Date Last Modified: 2002-07-09T00:00:00-06:00

Contact us at Northwest Oncology & Hematology. You can reach us at 847.870.4100 (Rolling Meadows office), 847.437.3312 (Elk Grove Village office), 847.885.4100 (Hoffman Estates office), 847.842.0180 (Barrington office) and 847.577.1023 (Elgin office). For your convenience, you can also use our New Patient Appointment online form to schedule your consultation with us.

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