CT/MRI surveillance for HCC
Date issued: December 2024
For review: December 2026
Ref: A-666/VA/Hepatology/CT/MRI surveillance for HCC
PDF: CT MRI surveillance for HCC.pdf [pdf] 213KB
This leaflet is for people who have had a treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) who require ongoing surveillance with a CT or MRI scan and monitoring of their liver cirrhosis. Having liver cirrhosis puts you at risk of developing further liver cancer. There are a small group of people with HCC without cirrhosis.
Previously you might have had ultrasound surveillance, but we know that CT or MRI at 3 months is a more sensitive test following treatment for HCC. Initially you will have a scan at 3 months following treatment, this is dependent on your cancer treatment. This will tell us how often you will need a scan.
Once CT or MRI surveillance is completed you will then go back to HCC surveillance clinic with ultrasound.
Types of scans
CT (Computed Tomography) scan
A CT scanning machine is large and shaped like a doughnut. You will be asked to change into a gown, a cannula (plastic tube into the vein) will be inserted prior to your scan, you may require an injection of contrast during your scan, this helps to highlight organs and tissues.
There is a small risk that the contrast can affect your kidneys. Therefore prior to your scan, your blood tests will be checked and updated as required. Whilst this is a safe test for most people, like all tests it has possible risks associated with exposure to radiation, contrast allergies, kidney impairment, bruising and swelling from the cannulation site.
Prior to your scan, please report any previous concerns and during your scan please immediately report if you feel unwell.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
Sometimes an MRI scan can be performed if a CT scan hasn’t been able to give all the information required OR it might be the MRI is more favourable for your case. If you suffer from claustrophobia please inform a member of staff at your earliest convenience.
MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to generate pictures. Prior to your scan you will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire including previous operations, metal implants and any other metal parts in your body. MRI uses strong magnetism which could affect this. You will be asked to change into a gown, you will have a cannula (plastic tube into the vein) inserted prior to your scan. An injection of contrast can often be given during your scan, this helps to highlight organs and tissues.
MRI is a safe test and doesn’t use radiation but like all tests it has possible risks associated with contrast allergies, bruising from cannulation and kidney impairment.
Getting your results
It is not unusual for scans to take a couple of weeks to be reported by the Radiologist (Doctor who specialises in liver scans). Your scan will then be discussed in an MDT (Multidisciplinary team) meeting.
How will we inform you of the results
You will be contacted for either a face-to-face appointment with the consultant or a face-to-face appointment with a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) who will review your blood tests, scans and general wellbeing. This is a nurse led clinic and if there are significant changes you will be reviewed by a Hepatology (Liver) Consultant.
If you are concerned and haven’t heard from the department please don’t hesitate to call. We are aware that waiting for results of a scan can cause anxiety.
Contact us
You can contact Lisa Matthews, Pathway Co-ordinator on 01752 432725.
