Diagnostic criteria for primary liver cancer
Feb 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jin Zhongkui
Introduction
The diagnostic criteria for primary liver cancer mainly include clinical diagnosis, pathological diagnosis, and qualitative diagnosis. A diagnosis can be made when there are clinical manifestations of liver cancer, definite extrahepatic metastatic lesions—such as hemorrhagic ascites or cancer cells found in the ascitic fluid—and metastatic liver cancer has been ruled out. In addition, localization diagnosis can further confirm whether the cancer is primary liver cancer. Patients are advised to visit a正规 hospital for proper evaluation and receive appropriate treatment.
Diagnostic criteria for primary liver cancer mainly include clinical diagnosis, pathological diagnosis, and qualitative diagnosis.
1. Clinical Diagnosis
Clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of clinical manifestations of liver cancer, confirmed extrahepatic metastatic lesions (including bloody ascites or cancer cells found in ascites), and exclusion of metastatic liver cancer. If alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is positive, clinical diagnostic criteria may be applied. However, if AFP is negative, clinical diagnosis is not recommended, and a pathological biopsy should be performed.
2. Pathological Diagnosis
Pathological diagnosis is established through histopathological examination of intrahepatic space-occupying lesions. Two common methods are used: one involves obtaining a small tissue sample directly during surgery for pathological analysis, and the other involves percutaneous liver biopsy to retrieve tissue for pathological evaluation.
3. Qualitative Diagnosis
Qualitative diagnosis primarily determines the nature and malignancy grade of the tumor. It is typically based on clinical features such as unexplained hepatic region pain, weight loss, and progressive hepatomegaly, combined with test results including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, abdominal ultrasound, CT scans, and pathological examinations, to determine whether the tumor is primary liver cancer.
In addition, localization diagnosis can also help confirm whether the tumor is primary liver cancer. Patients are advised to seek evaluation at a qualified medical institution for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
