Screening is risky.
Decisions about screening are difficult. Not all cancer screenings are beneficial, and most have risks. It is best to talk to your doctor before any screening is done. It is important to know the risks of the test and whether it has been shown to reduce the risk of dying from cancer.
Risks of liver cancer screening include the following:
Possible false-negative test results.
Even if an individual has liver cancer, the results of the screening test may show normal results. If an individual has a false-negative screening result (actually has cancer but the test shows no cancer), there is a risk of delay in seeking care even if the individual has symptoms.
A false-positive result may be produced.
Screening results may show abnormalities even if the individual does not have cancer. A false-positive result (a test that shows cancer when the individual does not have cancer) can cause anxiety and often requires further diagnostic testing that is also windy, such as a liver biopsy.
The operation of diagnosing liver cancer may cause side effects.
Abnormal screening results may require a liver biopsy to diagnose liver cancer, and liver biopsy may cause the following rare but serious side effects:
Your doctor will be able to make a recommendation about your risk of liver cancer and whether you need cancer screening.