Liver cancer screening isn’t widely used because research shows it doesn’t help most people. For some adults at high risk, though, screening can catch liver cancer early, when it’s most treatable. 

Who should get liver cancer screening?

Liver cancer screening is meant for adults at higher risk because of:

• Cirrhosis (scar tissue in the liver) 
• Chronic hepatitis B infection
• Certain hereditary or chronic diseases, such as primary biliary cholangitis, which destroys the liver’s bile ducts

Your doctor can recommend whether screening is right for you, and if it is, how often you should get it.

Blood tests

Blood tests can be used to check for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a protein made by the liver.  A high level can be a sign of liver cancer. 

Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans create detailed pictures of the liver. These images can show abnormal areas or tumors. 

Risks of liver cancer screening

Not all cancer screening is helpful. Risks include:

• False negative: A test could miss cancer, delaying treatment.
• False positive: A test could indicate cancer when there is none, possibly leading to unneeded tests or treatment.

Learn more

• Liver Cancer Screening, National Cancer Institute
• Can Liver Cancer Be Found Early? American Cancer Society