Ultrasonic patterns of tumors of the liver

This study deals with the ultrasonic analysis of tumors of the liver and involves 85 cases of anatomically confirmed neoplasms. We shall describe four specific patterns of cancer: the large, highly echogenic nodule, anechoic nodules surrounded by a band of echoes, which correspond to necrotic, metastatic nuclei; the indistinct, transonic region within in echogenic parenchyma, often found in cancers observed in the course of cirrhosis; the large, entirely homogeneous hepatomegaly, which is the normal pattern of primary cancers, but which can be mistaken for a fluid collection. We consider that accurate information about these patterns may lead to a more reliable and precise diagnosis.