You’re invited to the 2024 Hepatitis B Foundation Gala on April 5, 2024 in Warrington, PA. Details here.

LiverCancerConnect

Diagnosing Liver Cancer

Tests to Diagnose Liver Cancer

To diagnose liver cancer, your health care provider needs to collect a lot of information and may order the following tests:

  • Physical exam
  • Liver function tests to find out how well your liver is working
  • Additional blood tests
    • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test, which may indicate liver cancer if these levels are high
    • Calcium and cholesterol levels, which increase in the presence of liver cancer
    • Complete blood count (CBC), to see whether your bone marrow is making enough red and white blood cells
    • Blood clotting tests to see how well your blood is clotting, which is a function of the liver
    • Hepatitis B and C tests, since these viral infections increase your risk for liver cancer
  • Imaging studies to take pictures of your liver to help locate any problems
    • CT scan (x-rays)
    • MRI (magnetic rays)
    • Ultrasound (sound waves)
    • Angiography
    • Laparoscopy
  • Liver Biopsy - A liver biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that involves taking a very small sample of your liver to confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer

Additional Information

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network provides a comprehensive liver cancer guideline to help you understand the basics, diagnostic steps, and treatment options for liver cancer.