When it comes to CT, many people are familiar with it and also know that it is a type of examination with radiation that cannot be performed frequently in a short period of time due to potential harm.
As a result, many people are averse to CT and believe that other examination items should be used as substitutes to minimize CT scans.
In life, some people undergo liver function tests after experiencing liver issues and find that their liver function is normal, yet doctors still request a CT scan, which may cause confusion. Some patients may think that doctors are doing this just to earn more money and are also averse to CT scans, fearing potential harm.
In fact, liver function does not fully represent liver health, and there are reasons why doctors request a CT scan. Why do doctors request a CT scan even when liver function is normal? Generally speaking, liver function tests can reflect whether the physiological functions of the liver are normal and can also determine the causes of abnormal liver function.
However, it should be noted that liver function-related indicators can only clearly understand liver function, while substantial liver issues cannot be fully screened through liver function tests. This is where CT scans are needed, especially for high-risk groups. CT scans can identify the basic condition of the liver, especially when liver lesions occur, they can clearly understand the location, size of the lesion, and the condition of adjacent organs. The detection rate for small liver cancers of 1 to 3 centimeters in size reaches 90%, so it is currently a routine examination method for the diagnosis and follow-up of liver cancer.
If liver abnormalities are found and liver function tests show no problems, doctors will use CT scans to determine whether there are other substantial diseases, thereby making judgments from multiple aspects. Besides CT, what other imaging examinations can be done to understand liver conditions? 1. Liver Ultrasound Liver ultrasound can make preliminary judgments on liver stones, fatty liver, and liver cancer. It is relatively safe and is currently a commonly used examination suitable for routine check-ups for ordinary people. 2. MRI MRI is also an important means of diagnosing liver diseases, especially for some small liver cancers that are difficult to detect by CT. MRI has higher sensitivity to these and ordinary MRI can easily display the blood vessels and bile ducts within the liver, allowing for a more detailed understanding of tumors and intrahepatic vascular infections. Moreover, MRI has no radiation and is suitable for some patients with liver issues or lesions who cannot undergo CT scans.
The liver is relatively silent, and its symptoms are not obvious when problems occur, so it should be taken seriously, especially for high-risk groups. People who often overeat, consume high-fat foods, stay up late, drink alcohol, etc., need to pay attention and undergo regular liver examinations to understand their liver condition. And once doctors recommend a CT scan, do not blindly reject it. Undergoing relevant examinations according to doctors' guidance is beneficial for discovering problems and preventing diseases from being delayed.
