Understanding the Diagnosis of Liver Cancer
The diagnosis of liver cancer involves a combination of medical tests to detect abnormalities and confirm the presence of cancer. Since early-stage liver cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, doctors rely on imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies to identify the disease. Early and accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in determining the best treatment approach and improving outcomes.
What are the Major Tests that help in the Diagnosis of Liver Cancer?
There are many advanced techniques to identify liver cancer stages:
The liver is the first organ to be evaluated under an ultrasound test. It uses sound to form pictures on the computer and for this, does not require cameras or screens.
A C.T. scan stands for ‘Computer tomography’, which is just another variety of an X-ray. It can be applied to many types of liver tumors and offers quite high diagnostic accuracy. This type of imaging test is called an abdominal CT scan, and your doctor may order one for you.
It can provide specific information about the sizes, shapes, and locations of any mass of tissue (tumor) located in the liver or the abdominal cavity along with details of the arteries and veins passing close to the organs.
As a diagnostic imaging modality, MRI assists in attaining detailed images of the soft tissues of the body as a way of ascertaining whether the growth or tumor spotted is benign or malignant. However, MRIs do not provide X-ray images; instead, they utilize powerful radio wave frequencies and magnetism.
Your physicians may not recommend this test for you unless they are concerned about signs like bone pain. The bone pain results from the metastatic cancer that has affected the bones, and a bone scan can diagnose it.
The biopsy is when doctors grab a sample of tissue from an abnormal area and classify it. In the event tissue samples are required, this can be done through a number of methods.
Tiny tube with a sharpened end which is a hollow needle will be passed under the skin through the abdominal wall and into the Liver. Some of the points need to be numbed using local anesthesia before the needle is properly positioned on the skin. One such kind of biopsy is often done using an ultrasound or a C. T. scan.
In addition, specimens for biopsy could also be taken during a laparoscopy examination. This enables the doctor to examine the surface of the liver and record samples of the affected areas.
Of the two, there is an incisive biopsy in which a piece of the tumor is removed through surgery or an excision biopsy where the tumor is completely removed along with certain adjacent healthy liver tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. How is the diagnosis of liver cancer confirmed?
A. The diagnosis of liver cancer is confirmed through imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, blood tests for tumor markers, and a biopsy to examine liver tissue.
Q2. Can liver cancer be detected through a blood test?
A. Blood tests, such as the AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) test, can help detect liver cancer, but imaging scans and biopsies are needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Q3. When should I get tested for liver cancer?
A. Individuals at high risk, such as those with chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis, should undergo regular screenings, even if they don’t have symptoms.
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Author Bio:
Dr. Yashashree Joshi – MBBS, MD (Philippines)
Dr. Yashashree Joshi, MD, is a globally-trained oncologist with a robust academic background and extensive experience in pioneering cancer treatments. Dedicated to patient-centered care, she continually integrates the latest advancements in oncology to provide her patients with innovative and personalized treatment plans.
Content Medically Reviewed By MedicoExperts Editorial & Clinically Review Board
