Most Common Benign Tumors of The Liver

How are benign tumors of the liver diagnosed?

Benign tumors of the liver are usually diagnosed by chance or during an abdominal ultrasound when abdominal pain is the main complaint. Doctors cannot diagnose them without complex imaging studies including:

• Abdominal ultrasound: Abdominal ultrasound is the main diagnostic tool of the liver. It is, however, not very precise in diagnosing benign tumors. It can still give a general distinction between benign and malignant tumors based on whether they are invading surrounding tissues or organs.
• CT scan: CT scan is the most precise imaging study for all liver tumors, benign and malignant. With the addition of contrast, details about the tumor and its blood supply can be revealed. It even helps in planning surgical options and interventional radiology.

In some cases, a liver biopsy may be needed. Liver biopsy means that a small part of your liver (the one containing the tumor) is sampled using a needle to be examined under the microscope. Even though imaging studies can predict whether a tumor is benign or malignant or determine its type, only biopsy can confirm both. It is usually needed when the diagnosis is ambiguous and when the decision of treatment rests on the results.