Diagnosing Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of cancer that starts in the liver. It is one of the most common liver cancers and often leads to a lower quality of life and high death rates.
To diagnose HCC, several examinations, screening tests, and procedures are used. These help confirm the presence of HCC and provide information about its type, severity, and stage. Specialists involved in diagnosing HCC may include primary care physicians, hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.
Here are the examinations, screening tests, and procedures used to diagnose HCC:
- Medical history and physical examination: The healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess any symptoms or signs of liver disease.
- Blood tests: Blood tests help assess liver function, overall health, and look for markers linked to HCC. These may include liver function tests, blood clotting tests, complete blood count, metabolic panel, and tests for hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests are used to see the liver and detect any suspicious areas or tumors. Common imaging techniques used for HCC diagnosis include:
- Ultrasound: This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of the liver
- Computed Tomography scan (CT): A CT scan combines multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional images of the liver
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI): MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the liver.
- Biopsy: In some cases, a liver biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of HCC. During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the tumor for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. This helps determine if cancer cells are present.
To determine the type, severity, or stage of HCC, additional examinations, tests, or procedures may be done:
- Staging systems: Several systems are used to check how far HCC has spread. They take into account factors like the size or number of tumors, whether lymph nodes are affected, and if the cancer has spread to other areas like bones or lungs.
- Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) test: AFP is a protein produced by some liver cancers. Measuring AFP levels in the blood can provide information about how severe the HCC is and how far the cancer has spread.
It's important to note that not all patients with suspected HCC will require every test mentioned above. The specific diagnostic approach will depend on individual circumstances and the judgment of the healthcare provider. If you have any concerns or symptoms related to liver health or cancer, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and guidance.