Abdominal (belly) Ultrasound

If you have cirrhosis, or a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), you should be having an abdominal ultrasound every 6 months to monitor for an early liver cancer.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a non-invasive, generally painless scan that creates a real-time picture of organs inside the body using high frequency sound waves. It can help to show the size and shape of your liver, the blood flow and help to diagnose fatty liver, scarring and cancer. 

It is usually on an ultrasound that a suspicious lesion or possible liver cancer is seen. You will then be referred for further imaging with CT or MRI. 

What happens during an ultrasound? 

You will be asked to fast for 4 to 6 hours (depending on the centre you are attending). The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes.  

You will lie on a table and a trained professional called a sonographer will place a gel on your belly to help the sound waves transmit and get a good picture. They will then move a scanner over the area of your liver to take pictures and measurements.

Sometimes, you will be referred for a contrast–enhanced, or bubble ultrasound. This uses a type of contrast (dye) containing tiny microbubbles that is injected through a vein in your arm just before the scan. It can help to confirm a diagnosis of liver cancer without the need for a liver biopsy. If you are referred for this type of ultrasound it will be carried out by a specialist doctor called an interventional radiologist. These doctors are highly trained in radiology procedures. 

What are the risks of ultrasound?

There are no risks to having an ultrasound. 

Ultrasound is painless, but if you have an inflamed and enlarged liver you might feel some discomfort as the scanner is moved over the area. 

How much does an ultrasound cost?

If you have your ultrasound in a public hospital you should not have to pay, if you have a Medicare card. In private radiology centres the cost can vary, however many clinics will bulk-bill, meaning you have no out of pocket expense. You should talk to your doctor about the best option for you.