How to Diagnose Liver Cancer

Liver cancer results in approximately 15,000 deaths in the United States each year. Symptoms include abdominal pain and swelling, jaundice, fatigue, weight loss and blood clotting that leads to intestinal bleeding. Because these symptoms mimic those of other afflictions, cancer is often not diagnosed until the patient is in the advanced stages of the disease.

Things You'll Need

• Blood tests Radiological tests Biopsy

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Instructions

Diagnosing Liver Cancer

• 1

  Be aware of a history of liver conditions such as hepatitis, alcoholism, cirrhosis, or exposure to toxins that make you more susceptible to liver cancer.

• 2

  Symptoms of liver cancer include the presence of a lump in the upper right abdomen, indicating a tumor, and bruising or swelling on the body, which may be signs of liver failure. These symptoms call for a complete physical examination

• 3

  Undergo blood tests. The complete blood count (CBC) can help detect anemia and infections, and a blood chemistry panel (SMA) will indicate how well the liver is functioning. A hepatitis panel is also recommended.

• 4

  Ask for radiological tests. A chest X-ray can indicate the presence of a lung tumor, which could spread to the liver. A CT scan detects liver tumors if they are bigger than one centimeter, and a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) can show if cancer has spread to the surrounding lymph glands.

• 5

  The patient undergoes a biopsy if any of these tests indicates the possibility of liver cancer. A needle is injected into the organ and the doctor withdraws tissue samples, which are tested to rule out or confirm the existence of cancer.