We're Ready to Help Call to schedule an appointment or contact us online 
|
|
|
Diagnosing metastatic liver cancer can be difficult since this part of the body is complex and includes several organs and major blood vessels. Our team of radiologists specialize in hepatobiliary imaging.
As non-invasive diagnostic imaging techniques have become more sophisticated, they can be used to gather important information about a newly diagnosed tumor -- including its exact size, and density. These techniques can also be used to gauge how well a tumor will respond to treatment.
In some cases, diagnosis is performed invasively, by removing a small amount of tissue for a biopsy, or by laparoscopy (insertion of a small tube with an attached camera into the abdomen to survey the cancer site). Laparoscopy can also be used to remove a sample of tissue for biopsy.
Noninvasive Diagnostic Imaging Techniques
- CT (computed tomography) scanning -- is useful for determining the extent of tumor growth within the gallbladder or bile duct. It can also be used to tell whether tumor cells have spread into the lymph nodes or other nearby parts of the body.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) -- can be used to determine if a tumor can be surgically removed. It shows the extent of tumor growth within the gallbladder or bile duct and reveals whether the tumor has invaded any blood vessels
- Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreotography (MRCP) -- gives a detailed examination of the bile ducts. It is useful for determining the stage of a tumor in the bile duct.
- Ultrasound -- useful for detecting the location and number of tumors as well as tumor involvement with blood vessels (tumors situated close to blood vessels may be more difficult to remove). It can also be used to distinguish a cancerous mass from a benign tumor.
Invasive Diagnostic Techniques
- Biopsy -- a small amount of tissue is removed from a specific area of the body so it can be examined more closely.
- Endoscopy -- the interior lining of a body cavity, such as the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, or colon, is examined using a device called an endoscope
- Laparoscopy -- allows for the examination of the abdominal cavity and its contents. A tube with an attached camera (called a laparoscope) is passed through an incision made in the abdominal wall.
- Cholangiography -- a needle is inserted into the bile ducts within the liver. The ducts are injected with dye so they can be seen more clearly.
