Liver scans detect disorders or diseases, including tumors, cysts, and tissue abnormalities. Common types include CT scans, ultrasounds, and PET scans. Preparation may be required, and patients should inform their doctor of any health conditions or medications.
A liver scan is a diagnostic test used to examine the liver for the presence of a disorder or disease. Liver scans can detect tumors, cysts, or tissue abnormalities that can lead to the diagnosis of a benign or malignant condition. Patients with existing liver disease may be referred for a scan to measure the success of established treatments. Individuals who have symptoms related to a doctor may be referred for a liver scan to rule out the presence of a disease, and people predisposed to liver disease due to genetics may have a scan as a preventative measure. Some of the more common types of liver scans include a computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Computed tomography (CT) scans use specialized X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body. During a CT scan, a contrast medium is typically introduced into the bloodstream. The dye can be used to highlight the internal structures under study. This type of scan is used to study bones, glands, lymph nodes, and organs such as the liver. Typically, this is a safe test, and maximum discomfort can be felt immediately after the contrast agent is injected. The dye may produce a tingling or warm sensation.
High-frequency sound waves are used to produce images of the body during an ultrasound. A person undergoing a liver ultrasound typically lies flat on a table while a device known as a transducer is moved over the area of the liver. This is usually a painless and short procedure, although some pressure may be felt when the device is pressed against the body. Many ultrasounds require no special preparation, while others may require you to fast without food or water before testing.
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan can capture images that many other diagnostic tools fail to capture. PET scans are special in that they can provide detailed images of nerves, arteries and tissue as well as organs, bones and glands. A PET scan of the liver can be used to tell a doctor about the effectiveness of treatment for a diseased liver. It can also reveal liver tissue damage. Because the test can produce such specific images, very small benign growths in the liver can be discovered and treated before they have a chance to develop into malignant tumors.
The doctor recommending the test will usually inform the patient if any preparation is needed. Some tests may require fasting, while others may have no prerequisites. It will be important to tell your doctor about certain health conditions beforehand. Pregnant women, people taking medications, and people who have had a history of allergic reactions to contrast dyes should tell their doctor about these conditions. In general, it’s a good idea to have any questions or concerns properly addressed before undergoing any type of medical test.
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