A biopsy of the liver is a medical procedure in which a small amount of liver tissue is surgically removed so it can be analyzed in the laboratory by a pathologist.
Liver biopsies are usually done to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the liver, like cancer cells, or to evaluate disease processes such as cirrhosis. Your doctor may order this test if blood or imaging tests indicate there are problems with your liver.
The liver is a vital organ. It produces proteins and enzymes responsible for essential metabolic processes, removes contaminants from your blood, helps fight infection, and stores essential vitamins and nutrients. Problems with your liver can make you very sick or lead to death.