How to Detect Liver Cancer

To identify and diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma, the following steps are commonly used:

Step 1: Screen High-Risk Individuals
Identifying individuals at high risk is the first step in early detection. This group typically includes people with a history of hepatitis B or C virus infection, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, long-term exposure to food contaminated with aflatoxins, cirrhosis from any cause, and those with a family history of liver cancer.

Step 2: Blood Test for Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
Measuring the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the blood is a common method for liver cancer screening. AFP is a tumor marker associated with liver cancer. When AFP levels exceed 400 µg/L, it strongly suggests the possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Step 3: Perform Imaging Tests
Imaging studies are essential for detecting abnormalities in the liver. Common techniques include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and positron emission tomography combined with CT (PET-CT). These tests help visualize the presence, size, and location of tumors.

Step 4: Biopsy for Definitive Diagnosis
A definitive diagnosis of liver cancer often requires a biopsy, which can be done through a needle puncture or during surgery. A tissue sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the type of liver cancer.