Final answer:
An abdominal ultrasound is often the first diagnostic test conducted when hepatocellular carcinoma or other liver diseases are suspected due to symptoms like severe right upper quadrant pain and an enlarged abdomen. Liver function tests may also be ordered. If necessary, a CT scan with contrast can offer a detailed view to confirm the diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient reports severe pain in the upper right part of the abdomen and exhibits signs such as an enlarged abdomen, a health care provider may suspect hepatocellular carcinoma or other liver pathology. The first diagnostic test to confirm a liver disease such as hepatocellular carcinoma is often an abdominal ultrasound, which can detect liver abnormalities, masses, and other conditions such as gallstones.
Further diagnostics could include liver function tests (LFTs), which are crucial blood tests that indicate the functioning of the liver, showing evidence of gallbladder disease as well. If liver function tests are abnormal, or if the ultrasound indicates a potential malignancy, a computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast might be used to provide a more detailed view and help confirm the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma or detect other complications.