A member asked:

What is better x-ray to find liver cancer ct or pet scan or some other?

10 doctors weighed in across 4 answers

CT scan: A ct scan is typically the type of test used to find a liver tumor. It shows the soft tissues, organs, and blood vessels very well. A pet scan can be used to detect metastases or tumors that are too small for a ct scan to measure, but it involves nuclear tracers and is usually saved for after a ct scan shows a tumor. Xrays are used to look only look at bones.

Answered 9/28/2016

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It depends: Each modality has a strength and limitations depending on what type of cancer and whether looking for metastasis.

Answered 3/27/2013

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Depends: For primary liver cancer , i would recommend ct or mr . For metastatic disease , especially a GI cancer, i would start with pet/ct.

Answered 1/5/2019

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Dr. Joseph Accurso answered

Specializes in Radiology

Sometimes both: Usually, if there is concern about a liver tumor, multiple phase contrast enhanced ct scan is performed. Depending on what that shows, MRI or mrcp and/or pet/ct may be appropriate next steps. Pet/ct is not an appropriate 1st test for the most common forms of liver cancer.

Answered 6/10/2014

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