Imaging Tests
Abdominal Ultrasound
This is a non-invasive and quick method to view the liver and other abdominal organs with the use of sound waves [2,3]. The patient lays down on their back [2,3]. Translucent gel is applied over the skin and a hand-held transducer is moved around the abdomen by the Health Care Provider [2,3]. |
National Cancer Institute. (2019). Ultrasound of the abdomen. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK363066/figure/CDR0000774255__392/
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CT Scan (Computer Tomography)
This test uses X-rays to view the abdomen [2,3]. The patient will lay down on their back with their arms above their head [2,3]. The patient will be asked to remain still and will be pushed inside of the machine which is in the shape of a big metal tube [2,3]. |
Macmillan Cancer Support. (2019). CT scan. Retrieved from: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/audience/teens-and-young-adults/test-and-scans/ct-scan.html
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
This test uses magnets and radio waves [2,3]. The patient will be asked to remove all metal accessories and clothing articles [2,3]. Patient may be required to wear a hospital gown as well as have a dye inserted into a vein prior to the procedure [2,3]. Similar to a CT scan, the patient will lay on their back and be inserted into the tube shaped machine. This test takes longer to perform than a CT scan [2,3]. |
NHS. (2018). Overview MRI scan. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mri-scan/
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Chest X-Ray
A chest X-Ray may be ordered if liver cancer is found to determine if the cancer has spread to the lungs [2]. This is a short, non-invasive procedure that would involve an X-Ray machine and X-Rays [2]. |
Radiology Info For Patients. (2019). X-ray (Radiography) - Chest. Retrieved from: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=chestrad
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Tissue Biopsy
A small tissue sample of the liver may be gathered for diagnostic purposes[2]. A small needle will be inserted and take a small sample of tissue where it will then be sent to a lab to be examined for any signs of cancerous tissue[2]. Mild discomfort may be felt at the site of needle insertion [2].
Blood Testing
Blood samples may be required to determine if the liver is functioning well, as well as what the current state is of the patient's overall health.
Blood tests may examine blood glucose/sugar levels, specific enzymes, the time it takes for the blood to form a clot as well as current levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet counts[2]. In some cases, blood may be examined for viral hepatitis, B and C[2]. Furthermore, tumor markers may be present in the blood of a patient with liver cancer [2]. |
Baker, S. (2017). Hospital-Acquired Anemia: when blood testing is too much of a good thing. Retrieved from: https://www.keranews.org/post/hospital-acquired-anemia-when-blood-testing-too-much-good-thing
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Blood tests
References
1. Jarvis, C. (2014). Physical examination & health assessment (2nd Cdn Ed). Elsevier: Canada.
2. Canadian Cancer Society. (2019). Diagnosis of liver cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/liver/diagnosis/?region=on
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). U.S. department of health and human services. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/
4. Medical Council of Canada. ()2019. Clinical Laboratory Tests - Normal Values. Retrieved from: https://mcc.ca/objectives/normal-values/
5. American Cancer Society. (2019). Tests for Liver Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
6. Diabetes CO UK. (2019). Blood Sugar Level Ranges. Retrieved from: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood-sugar-level-ranges.html
2. Canadian Cancer Society. (2019). Diagnosis of liver cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/liver/diagnosis/?region=on
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). U.S. department of health and human services. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/
4. Medical Council of Canada. ()2019. Clinical Laboratory Tests - Normal Values. Retrieved from: https://mcc.ca/objectives/normal-values/
5. American Cancer Society. (2019). Tests for Liver Cancer. Retrieved from: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
6. Diabetes CO UK. (2019). Blood Sugar Level Ranges. Retrieved from: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood-sugar-level-ranges.html
Image References
Parr, A. (2018). McCleave-Kennedy on health care. Retrieved from: https://saultonline.com/2018/05/mccleave-kennedy-on-health-care/