Ultrasound Screening and Surveillance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose

To review the current state of the use of ultrasound in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance.

Findings

Despite limitations in the evidence supporting the use of ultrasound in HCC surveillance, it has been formally recommended by a number of guidelines based on the best available evidence showing that it improves survival and is cost effective. However, ultrasound surveillance is inconsistently adopted and is prone to a number of practical and technical challenges. The recent introduction of ultrasound LI-RADS aims to standardize performance and reporting of these surveillance studies.

Summary

Despite remaining a controversial topic, semi-annual ultrasound screening for HCC is still supported by multiple hepatology societies. Ongoing evaluation of its performance and cost-effectiveness is required as new standards such as US LI-RADS, as well as evolving therapies and technologies emerge.

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