How Is Liver Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing liver cancer involves detecting liver abnormalities and evaluating liver tissue through various tests, including:
- Blood Tests: Measures liver function and checks for tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), which may be elevated in liver cancer.
- Imaging Tests (Ultrasound, CT, or MRI): Visualize liver tumors, assess their size and location, and evaluate nearby organs.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan: Helps detect cancer spread by using a radioactive tracer to highlight abnormal tissue activity.
- Liver Biopsy: Involves removing a small sample of liver tissue to examine under a microscope for cancer cells.
- Liver Function Tests: Evaluates how well the liver is working and helps determine the extent of liver damage or cirrhosis.
- Biomarker and Genetic Testing: Identifies gene mutations or changes in cancer cells that can help guide treatment options and predict outcomes.
Liver Cancer Staging and Subtypes
Liver Cancer Stages
There are several staging systems for liver cancer, and not all doctors use the same system.
The most commonly used staging systems are The American Joint Committee on Cancer’s TNM staging system and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system.
Liver Cancer Subtypes
Liver cancer is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary liver cancer begins in the liver itself, while secondary liver cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver.
The most common types of primary liver cancer include:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): The most common form, starting in liver cells.
- Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: Begins in bile ducts inside the liver.
- Hepatoblastoma: A rare liver cancer in children.
- Angiosarcoma: A rare cancer starting in the blood vessels of the liver.
Essential Liver Cancer Testing
Once diagnosed, further testing may help guide treatment decisions, including:
- Genetic Testing: Identifies mutations (like TP53 or CTNNB1) to tailor treatment and predict response.
- Laparoscopy or Minimally Invasive Surgery: Sometimes used to better assess tumor spread and operability.
- Biomarker Testing: Helps identify levels of proteins, genes, or other indicators linked to prognosis and treatment response.
