Imaging for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is best performed using a triple phase CAT scan or MRI. This consists of an arterial phase, portal venous phase, and delayed venous phase. During the arterial phase, the cancer becomes brighter than the surrounding liver (red arrow). During the portal phase, the cancer almost disappears. During the delayed venous phase, the cancer becomes darker than the surrounding liver. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are wasted in our state each year because patients suspected of having a HCC are ordered to wrong type of imaging study.

Arterial Phase


Portal Venous Phase


Delayed Venous Phase