Imaging and radiological intervention in hepatocellular carcinoma

H Ngan
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the second most common cause of death from malignancy in Hong Kong. The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma depends on the hepatic function, tumour size, and tumour extent at diagnosis. Ultrasound, computed tomography, Lipiodal computed tomography, hepatic angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging are useful imaging modalities for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinomas and in assessing their operability. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, selective internal radiation therapy, and percutaneous transhepatic ethanol injection are promising interventional radiological techniques that have been introduced in the treatment of patients with inoperable disease. The indications for these treatment modalities and their efficacy are discussed.

Hong Kong Med J 1997;3:57-68

Key words: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Chemoembolization, therapeutic; Liver neoplasms; Radiotherapy, computer-assisted