Liver cancer is diagnosed using a number of tests. These include blood tests and imaging scans such as ultrasound, CT and MRI. In some cases, a tissue sample (biopsy) may also be tested.
If the tests show that you have primary liver cancer, the specialist will work out how far it has spread. This is known as staging.
After a primary liver cancer diagnosis, you are likely to see a range of health professionals, who will all play a part in your treatment.
Many people feel understandably shocked and upset when told they have primary liver cancer. If you need support, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Learn more about:
- Tests to diagnose
- Staging and prognosis
- Your health care team
- Video: Cancer and common diagnostic tests
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Video: Cancer and common diagnostic tests
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
Dr David Yeo, Hepatobiliary/Transplant Surgeon, Royal Prince Alfred, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Cancer Centre and St George Hospitals, NSW; Dr Lorraine Chantrill, Head of Department Medical Oncology, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW; Michael Coulson, Consumer; Dr Sam Davis, Interventional Radiologist, Staff Specialist, Royal Brisbane and Women‘s Hospital, QLD; Prof Chris Karapetis, Network Clinical Director (Cancer Services), Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Head, Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre and Flinders University, SA; Dr Howard Liu, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Lina Sharma, Consumer; Dr Graham Starkey, Hepato-Biliary and General Surgeon, Austin Hospital, VIC; Catherine Trevaskis, Gastrointestinal Cancer Specialist Nurse, Canberra Hospital and Health Services, ACT; Dr Michael Wallace, Western Australia Liver Transplant Service, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA.
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