Final answer:
The first step in evaluating patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma is to conduct blood tests to examine liver function, including enzymes and other markers such as ALT and AST. Additional tests may include imaging studies and serological tests for hepatitis virus. Treatment depends on the cancer stage and may include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial step in evaluating patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma is to conduct general laboratory testing to examine liver function. This commonly involves a series of blood tests that measure various liver enzymes and other markers like alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, serum albumin, serum total protein, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. These tests can reveal abnormalities in liver function that may suggest hepatocellular carcinoma or other liver diseases.
Following initial blood tests, additional investigations may include imaging studies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the liver and assess any liver lesions. Furthermore, if hepatitis virus infection is suspected, a hepatitis virus serological test panel would be warranted to detect antibodies for various types of hepatitis viruses, which may contribute to the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
In cases where blood tests or imaging studies indicate the possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma, further diagnostic steps such as biopsy and histological examination may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The type of treatment recommended will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and liver function. Treatment options may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.