Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patient With History of Alcohol Abuse

Poll

Imaging on a 60-year-old man demonstrates multiple bony lesions in the spine that could indicate metastatic liver cancer. What is the best diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis?

A 60-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol abuse presents with ascites, jaundice, hepatic encephalopathy, and back pain after a recent fall. Imaging demonstrates multiple bony lesions in the spine that could indicate metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

What is the best diagnostic tool to confirm the diagnosis of HCC?

A. Abdominal MRI with contrast
B. Core needle biopsy
C. Serum alpha fetoprotein level
D. Transabdominal ultrasound