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Preoperative Imaging of Liver Cancers: Metastases

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Venous Embolization of the Liver

Abstract

Imaging plays a pivotal role in patients with suspected liver metastases not only for diagnosis but also for staging and for presurgical evaluation. Several modalities are available; these include ultrasound, CT, MRI, and PET or PET/CT. Ultrasound is operator-dependent and has generally low sensitivity for detection, especially for small lesions. CT is the most frequently used technique as it is quick, widely available, and accurate; however, it is limited by radiation exposure and has limited characterization of subcentimeter hepatic lesions. MRI is accurate and free of radiation exposure; however, it is limited by cost and availability. PET and PET/CT have a role mostly for detection of extrahepatic disease. The role and results of these modalities will be discussed in this review.

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Correspondence to Bachir Taouli .

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Do, R.K.G., Taouli, B. (2011). Preoperative Imaging of Liver Cancers: Metastases. In: Madoff, D., Makuuchi, M., Nagino, M., Vauthey, JN. (eds) Venous Embolization of the Liver. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-122-4_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-122-4_9

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