What are the different types of liver cancer tests?

Although there is no definitive procedure, instead of a liver biopsy that can diagnose liver cancer, there are several liver cancer tests that may indicate that the condition is present. Some blood tests, such as the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test, can help doctors to recognize the overall risk that the patient has for cancer, as well as to project any cancerous tumors that could already be present. Imaging techniques, such as computer tomography scanning (CT), can provide a visual image of abnormalities that can be further studied in subsequent testing if a suspicious area is found. The most advantageous liver cancer tests, liver biopsy, take a piece of tumor and look for cancer components under the microscope; Sometimes the doctor can use a long needle to study a piece of tumor, eliminating the need for painful surgery.

liver cancer tests AFP are the most commonprocedure used for diagnosticestav. AFP is a protein produced by immature liver cells; It is also known that the cancer liver produces AFP in large quantities. While the presence of elevated AFP levels is not entirely indicative of liver cancer, it is considered to be a reliable indicator that cancer may be present or that the liver is too vulnerable to tumor growth. The AFP sensitivity is approximately 60%, which means that increased AFP is observed in this percent of patients with liver cancer. 40% of patients have normal protein levels, leading to limiting this diagnostic procedure.

CT scan, often the first imaging technique used in the diagnosis of liver cancer, is essentially an advanced X -ray. If CT scan does not provide any response and liver cancer is still suspicious, another test used is usually magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio wave frequencies in conjunction with strong magnets to create a detailed liver image. A lot of medicinePrefer MRI on other forms of liver cancer tests because they are sometimes able to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors in the body. The presence of a negative MRI imaging test, combined with a normal AFP test, can help the physician adequately that the patient does not have liver cancer, and then can move to other diagnostic tests without the need for liver biopsy.