Liver cancer

If your physician suspects liver cancer, you may wonder what exactly is wrong, and what your treatment options are. The Netherlands Cancer Institute offers rapid diagnostics for an increasing number of tumor types such as liver cancer. If possible, all diagnostic tests required to diagnose you will take place on the same day.

Multidisciplinary team meeting

Your results will be discussed during a multidisciplinary team meeting involving all specialists (from our Surgery, Gastrointestinal, Radiology, Pathology, Radiation Oncology, and Medical Oncology departments) involved in diagnosing and treating liver cancer. You will receive your results, as well as a preliminary treatment plan, directly after. If you intend to receive your treatment at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we can often start planning for your treatment right away.

What to expect

Once your registration by your general practitioner or practicing physician is complete, you will be contacted by the Netherlands Cancer Institute’s clinical planning department. They will let you know whether rapid diagnostics is an option for you, and can tell you more about the process.

Bring a loved one

Rapid diagnostics is a demanding process and can be exhausting. You will undergo various diagnostics tests and have scheduled consultations with many physicians during the day. We expect any patient undergoing our Rapid Diagnostics to be physically able to handle such a day. We also recommend bringing a loved one for support.

Preparations and tests

You will receive a letter from our planning department, containing information about what to bring to your consultation. Please read this letter carefully and fill out the questionnaire(s), if applicable. This can help you feel more prepared for your consultations, and will allow you to come up with questions before your visit.

Diagnostic tests

The tests you will receive to diagnose your (suspected) liver cancer will depend on your personal situation. Most people will have a PET/CT scan or CT scan.