Liver Nodules: Are They Always Liver Cancer?

Liver nodules are not necessarily a sign of liver cancer. A liver nodule is a descriptive term used when radiologists—through imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI—detect a mass or abnormality in the liver that differs in density from normal liver tissue. These nodules can be either benign or malignant.

Common benign liver conditions include hepatic hemangiomas, liver adenomas, and focal nodular hyperplasia. While these are non-cancerous, they may still require monitoring or treatment depending on their size, characteristics, and potential for complications.

If a liver nodule is detected, further diagnostic tests are typically recommended to determine its nature. These may include contrast-enhanced CT scans, contrast-enhanced MRI, or a more general MRI scan. Blood tests such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and abnormal prothrombin levels can also provide valuable information.

A patient's medical history—especially the presence of hepatitis B or cirrhosis—plays a crucial role in evaluating liver nodules. These conditions increase the risk of liver cancer and must be considered during diagnosis.

In cases where imaging and blood tests are inconclusive, a liver biopsy may be necessary. This involves extracting a small sample of tissue from the nodule for laboratory analysis, including immunohistochemical testing, to determine whether the nodule is benign or cancerous.