Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

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Diagnosis of Cancer of the liver

After a physical examination has been made and any swelling or external symptoms noted, a sample of blood will be taken to test levels of a substance called alpha-fetoprotein.  This will be higher than usual in a person with a hepotoma.  If the cancer has not yet caused any obvious symptoms, an abdominal scan is carried out to detect any tumours.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) may also be used to look at the blood supply to the liver.  The blood supply may be changed by the presence of a growth in the liver.

Diagnosis is confirmed by analysis of a liver tissue sample (biopsy).