Newly Diagnosed?
We Can Help Getting the correct diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment from the start is crucial 
|
|
|
Diagnosing hepatobiliary cancers is difficult since this area of the body is complex and includes several organs and major blood vessels. Our team of radiologists specializes in hepatobiliary imaging, and recent advances in diagnostic measures have led to the accurate classification of many of hepatobiliary cancers.
Diagnosis may be performed using noninvasive imaging techniques, surgical procedures, or a combination of the two.
Noninvasive Diagnostic Imaging Techniques
Diagnostic imaging techniques have become more sophisticated and capable of revealing more important information about a tumor -- the exact size, density, and nature. These techniques can also be used to gauge how well a tumor is responding to treatment.
Even if you have had radiologic images taken at another hospital, our team of radiologists will need to repeat the scans when you come to Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
A few of the more commonly used noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques are:
-
Triphasic Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning
This imaging technique takes pictures inside the body during three different phases of the blood flow through the liver, making it easier to detect cancer and interpret the scan. CT scans are useful for determining the extent of tumor growth within the gallbladder or bile duct. This technique can also be used to tell whether tumor cells have spread into the lymph nodes or other nearby parts of the body.
-
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
This imaging technique can be used to determine if a tumor can be surgically removed. The scans show the extent of tumor growth within the gallbladder or bile duct and reveals whether the tumor has invaded any blood vessels.
-
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreotography (MRCP)
This imaging technique can give a detailed examination of the liver and surrounding organs. It is useful for determining the stage of a tumor.
-
Ultrasound
This imaging technique is useful for detecting the location and number of tumors, as well as tumor involvement with blood vessels. (Tumors situated close to blood vessels may be more difficult to remove.) It can also be used to distinguish a cancerous mass from a benign tumor.
-
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
This imaging technique also is used to diagnose gallbladder and bile duct cancer. A PET scan is especially useful when identifying metastasis. Both PET and CT scans can be used in combination to pinpoint the exact location of cancer in the body.
Invasive Diagnostic Techniques
A few of the more commonly used invasive diagnostic imaging techniques are:
-
Biopsy
A small amount of tissue is removed from a specific area of the body. The tissue sample is then examined more closely. Can be obtained by needle biopsy, using image guidance.
-
Endoscopy
The interior lining of a body cavity, such as the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, or colon, is visually examined using a device called an endoscope.
-
Laparoscopy
This technique can be used to inspect the inside of the abdomen and remove a tissue sample for biopsy. A laparoscope -- a thin, lighted tube with a camera on its tip -- is passed through the abdominal wall by means of a small incision to inspect the inside of the abdomen and remove a tissue sample. Surgical instruments are sometimes used during laparoscopy.
-
Cholangiography
Cholangiography is when a needle is inserted into the bile ducts within the liver. The ducts are injected with dye so the ducts can be seen more clearly.
