Which Tests Are Used for Liver Cancer

In this article, we will discuss liver cancer and the different tests used for the detection of liver cancer disease. We will also discuss some common questions related to liver cancer.

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer is a life-threatening disease that causes the cells of the liver to grow in an uncontrolled manner leading to malignant tumours. Cell division is controlled by genes, and mutations lead to the uncontrolled growth of cells, leading to liver and liver functioning abnormality. A person suffering from liver cancer can have symptoms of jaundice, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, dark urine etc.

Which Tests Are Used for Liver Cancer?

Patients can go for a variety of tests for the detection of liver cancer, The tests can range from blood tests to imaging tests to genetic tests. Here is a detailed list of tests used for liver cancer diagnosis.

Imaging Tests: These tests are non-invasive tests, that use devices to capture images of the liver and these images help to diagnose the liver cancer and the condition of the liver cancer. These tests can also help detect different stages of cancer. Healthcare experts can also use chemical substances called contrasts or radioactive tracers for the detection of cancers at the cellular level. These tests are accurate, painless and quick. Here is the list of imaging tests used for liver cancer.

PET-CT scan: The full form of PET-CT is positron emission tomography-computed tomography is the advanced level of imaging test, which uses radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities and cancers in the liver. In this procedure, the patient is injected with the radioactive tracer and allowed to rest for 1 hour without too much movement. When the tracer reaches the body, the patient is made to lie on a table attached to the scanner. The table slides into the scanner and captures the images of the concerned area.

MRI Scan: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan is the imaging test used to detect the abnormalities in the scanner. This procedure uses magnetic waves for the detection of abnormalities in the liver. In some cases, healthcare providers can also use contrast material for the diagnosis of liver abnormalities. Patients with implants should always alert healthcare professionals about the implants because magnetic waves can displace the metallic implants in the body.

CT Scan: Computed tomography is an imaging non-invasive technique used to detect liver cancer through the motorized X-rays. This technique takes images of the abnormal area and mixes them to create 3D images of the area. This gives a detailed summary of the disease and easy to diagnose the disease.

Ultrasound Scan: This non-invasive scan uses sound waves for the detection of abnormalities. Sound waves are sent through the transducer into the body, which bounces back after striking with the organ. Clear gel is used in the technique to make smooth movement of transducer on the body and gel also helps to avoid any deviation of the sound waves. The ultrasound procedure is used more in the case of pregnant patients as sound waves are safe for the fetus.

Other Tests Used in Liver Cancer Diagnosis

Biopsy test: In this test, a small part of liver tissue is taken for diagnosis and cells of the liver are examined under a microscope. The healthcare expert after examination will write the report for the cause of illness or the degree of illness.

Blood tests: Different types of blood tests are also used for the detection of liver cancer. In this procedure, the blood sample is taken out and examined for testing. These tests include:

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor marker test. (Book Now)
Liver Function Test (LFT)
Hepatitis Test. (Book Now)
Blood clotting Test. (Book Now)
Complete Blood Count. (Book Now)

Liver Package Tests Available at Ganesh Diagnostic Centre for Complete Diagnosis:

Different Liver Disease Tests. (Book Now)
Liver Profile Package (Book Now)
Liver Cancer Package (Book Now)
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Panel (Book Now)
Liver Marker Profile (Book Now)
Liver Panel-1 (Book Now)

Conclusion

Liver cancer is a fatal disease and has various causes and symptoms. Early detection of the disease can make it less fatal and treatable at times. So Testing for the disease is very important, There are various tests used for liver cancer detection. Imaging tests include PET-CT scan, CT scan, MRI, Ultrasound and Blood tests Including LFT, CBC, and blood clotting. Packaged liver tests are also available at Ganesh Diagnostic Centre.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Liver Cancer?

What are the Symptoms of Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer can have symptoms of jaundice, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, dark urine etc.

Which tests are used for Liver Cancer diagnosis?

Different types of tests are used to diagnose liver cancer. The tests can range from blood tests, imaging tests and genetic tests. Tests like PET-CT, MRI, Ultrasound, LFT, CBC etc.