Open AccessCurrent Opinion about Hepatocellular Carcinoma <10 mm
Author(s) -
Dong Ye,
Andreas Teufel,
Wenping Wang,
Christoph F. Dietrich
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
digestion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.882
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1421-9867
pISSN - 0012-2823
DOI - 10.1159/000507923
Subject(s) - hepatocellular carcinoma , medicine , ultrasound , radiology , carcinoma , liver cancer , contrast enhanced ultrasound , stage (stratigraphy) , paleontology , biology
Background: Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important. Advances in liver imaging techniques have facilitated the detection of HCC at an early stage. However, there is a controversial discussion on how to diagnose very small HCC by imaging. The aim of the current review is to present current published data on HCC ≤10 mm and discuss on how to best diagnose and treat such lesions. Summary: It is still challenging, however, to accurately characterize HCC <10 mm. The accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound may be critical for early treatment decisions for cancer patients, particularly when CECT and/or CEMRI are inconclusive. Key Messages: The characterization of focal liver lesions <10 mm is frequently delayed until a follow-up imaging procedure demonstrates growth or stability. A repetition of ultrasound examination after 3 months for new nodules <1 cm should be recommended.