Liver is the organ which is situated in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. The size of a football, it is located beneath the diaphragm and above the stomach. It performs the function of filtering blood that circulates in the body. It also removes chemical waste substances from the blood and prepares them for excretion. A type of cancer that can affect the liver is metastatic cancer which starts from other parts of the body such as the colon or lungs and then affects the liver. This is not called liver cancer. Cancer of the liver or liver cancer starts from the main cell of the liver, which is the hepatocyte. Liver cancer is also called hepatocellular carcinoma.
Liver biopsy
A liver biopsy is at times imperative to confirm the type of cancer. A small liver tissue sample is taken and examined under the microscope for abnormalities.
CT Scan, Ultrasound or MRI
These tests detect the exact location and the expanse of the cancer.
Blood tests
Blood tests are conducted to assess the function and general health of the body and the liver.
Laparoscopy
If the above are not confirmative then a small incision may be done in the abdomen to take a closer look with a flexible telescope.