Liver Cancer Detection Methods

Liver cancer can be detected through various medical examinations, which are generally categorized into two main types:

Laboratory Tests

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) are the most commonly used tumor markers for diagnosing primary liver cancer. These markers are known for their relatively high specificity and sensitivity. In approximately 70% of liver cancer cases, AFP levels are elevated to some degree. For the remaining 30% of cases where AFP is not elevated, DCP becomes a crucial alternative marker. A rise in DCP levels may also indicate the presence of liver cancer and should be further evaluated.

Imaging Techniques

Imaging studies play a vital role in liver cancer diagnosis. Commonly used imaging tools include liver ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT scans, MRI scans of the liver and bile ducts, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). While PET-CT is a powerful imaging tool for many cancers, it is not considered the first-line method for detecting primary liver cancer due to its limited sensitivity in this context.

Biopsy Confirmation

In some cases, laboratory and imaging results may not provide a clear diagnosis. If a liver mass is very small and blood tests such as AFP and DCP are negative, but clinical suspicion for liver cancer remains high, a biopsy may be necessary. Under ultrasound guidance, a fine needle can be used to collect tissue from the suspicious area for pathological analysis, which helps confirm or rule out liver cancer.