How to diagnose lung metastasis from liver cancer

Liver cancer can easily metastasize to the lungs, so liver cancer patients should undergo regular chest X-rays for early detection. However, atypical lesions require lung CT scans.

Most lung metastases of liver cancer can be detected through chest X-rays. The typical manifestation is a high-density circular shadow in the peripheral part of the lung. The characteristics of lung metastasis are that the lung nodules have a higher density and clear boundaries. They are mostly distributed in the peripheral part of the lung, especially in the lower lung. Of course, a small number of lung metastasis nodules will also appear in the upper lung and hilar part. Sometimes, the lung metastasis will be behind the heart. In this case, a lateral chest X-ray examination is needed to detect the metastatic lesions in this area.

Lung CT is more sensitive than chest X-ray in diagnosing liver cancer metastasis. Lung CT examination is needed for atypical lesions. Lung CT examination can detect metastatic lesions of several millimeters.

Liver cancer lung metastasis needs to be differentiated from primary lung cancer. Primary lung cancer is manifested as nodules with rough edges in imaging, most of which are irregular in shape and have burrs. Liver cancer lung metastasis also needs to be differentiated from benign lung lesions. For example, tuberculosis is mostly located in the upper part of the lungs, and the nodules are irregular in shape. Because most of them have a long history of tuberculosis, differential diagnosis is not difficult.

Since liver cancer itself is highly malignant, if it metastasizes to the lungs, it will be like adding insult to injury. Therefore, prevention is the key, and regular lung examinations are the best option.