Liver nodule or spot found on CT scan: what should you do?

A common finding, most often benign

Finding a liver nodule on a CT scan or MRI performed for another reason is common. In the general population without known liver disease, the vast majority of these nodules are benign: simple cysts, haemangiomas, or focal nodular hyperplasia.

Context changes everything: cirrhosis or no cirrhosis

In a patient with no known liver disease, a nodule is most often benign. In a patient with cirrhosis, every nodule must be carefully characterised, because the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is significantly higher in this setting.

Which tests can characterise a nodule?

CT or MRI with contrast injection makes it possible to analyse the behaviour of the nodule across the different acquisition phases, which strongly guides the diagnosis. In case of doubt, a percutaneous biopsy may be offered.

Frequently asked questions