IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY, HEPATOCYTE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (HSA)

What this test checks

Detects hepatocyte specific antigen (HepPar-1), a marker expressed in liver cells. Used to confirm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) — liver cancer arising from liver cells — particularly in metastatic settings.

Why do people get this test?

When liver cancer has spread or when a liver mass needs diagnosis, HepPar-1 confirms hepatocellular origin — distinguishing HCC from cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic tumours, which require completely different treatments.

When you should consider this test

• When hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) needs to be confirmed
• When a liver tumour may be primary (HCC) or metastatic from another site
• As part of liver tumour origin confirmation panel

How to prepare

No preparation needed — performed on biopsy or surgical tissue.