Liver Cancer Diagnosis

Liver cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the liver, often developing from chronic liver disease. Since early symptoms are not typical, they are often ignored, and missing the treatment window may lead to cancer spread and worse prognosis. By reasonably selecting examination methods and combining evaluations, tumors can be identified early and subsequent treatment plans guided.

Diagnostic Basis

1. Imaging Examination
Imaging technology is the core method for diagnosing liver cancer. Ultrasound is often used for initial screening, as it can observe liver morphology and masses, though its accuracy is limited. Enhanced CT and MRI can more clearly show tumor location, size, and blood supply characteristics, and are important bases for assessing tumor nature and staging. CT triple-phase enhanced scanning and MRI dynamic contrast imaging are especially crucial in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions.

2. Serum Tumor Marker Testing
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the most commonly used tumor marker for liver cancer and is significantly elevated in some patients, but its specificity is insufficient. Therefore, it is often combined with new indicators such as AFP-L3 and PIVKA-II to improve diagnostic sensitivity. Especially in high-risk populations, dynamic monitoring of these serum markers helps in the early detection of asymptomatic lesions.

3. Liver Tissue Biopsy
For patients with atypical imaging results or unclear tumor features, liver biopsy is an important method for definitive diagnosis. By obtaining lesion tissue for pathological and immunohistochemical analysis, liver cancer subtypes can be further distinguished, providing a basis for subsequent individualized treatment. However, since biopsy is invasive, the risks and benefits must be weighed.

4. Molecular Testing and Immune Evaluation
With the development of precision medicine, molecular typing and immune profiling of liver cancer have gradually entered clinical practice. Detecting gene mutations (such as TP53, CTNNB1) or PD-L1 expression levels in tumor tissue or blood helps predict treatment response and provides reference for whether immune reconstruction cell therapy is suitable. These tests are mostly conducted in comprehensive cancer centers.

5. Endoscopy and Angiography
In some complex cases, doctors may also choose hepatic artery angiography (DSA) or endoscopy to understand whether the portal venous system or biliary tract is involved. Especially when liver cancer is complicated by bile duct obstruction or vascular invasion, these methods have practical significance in assessing surgical feasibility.

6. High-Risk Population Screening and Dynamic Monitoring
Patients with chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or cirrhosis are at high risk for liver cancer. These populations should undergo ultrasound and AFP combined screening every 3–6 months. Continuous dynamic monitoring is an important pathway for achieving early diagnosis of liver cancer, allowing timely intervention when lesions are still small or not yet significantly spread.

Conclusion

The early diagnosis of liver cancer is directly related to treatment effectiveness and survival. Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that high-risk groups should have regular check-ups, using a combination of imaging, serological, and histological methods to assess the condition. Early detection and early treatment are key to combating liver cancer. For further treatment evaluation, cell therapy may also achieve precise control.