Hepatocellular carcinoma: Advances in diagnostic imaging

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary imaging
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis has improved due to better understanding of its biology and imaging techniques.
• Practice guidelines for HCC imaging diagnosis are updated regularly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review imaging techniques and characteristic features of HCC in cirrhotic livers.
• To emphasize the diagnostic value of advanced MRI and hepatocyte-specific contrast agents.
• To discuss liver imaging reporting and data systems and practice guideline controversies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on HCC imaging.
• Focus on advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques.
• Inclusion of hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agents.

Main Results:

• Advanced imaging, especially MRI with specific contrast agents, improves HCC detection and characterization.
• Standardized reporting systems aid in reducing interpretation variability.

Conclusions:

• Continuous advancements in imaging techniques and guidelines are crucial for accurate HCC diagnosis and management.
• Hepatocyte-specific MRI contrast agents offer significant diagnostic value for HCC.