A patient presents with a history of weight loss and elevated liver function tests. Which pathology is the sonographic finding most suspicious for?

A patient presents with a history of weight loss and elevated liver function tests. Which pathology is the sonographic finding most suspicious for?

• A. Abscess
• B. Adenoma
• C. Hepatoma
• D. Hematoma

Answer: (C)

In the context of a patient presenting with weight loss and elevated liver function tests, a hepatoma, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is indeed the most suspicious pathology. Hepatomas are primary liver cancers that often arise in patients with chronic liver disease, which is frequently signaled by abnormal liver function tests. The combination of significant weight loss and abnormal liver tests raises concern for malignancy, and hepatoma is known for these associations. Sonographically, hepatomas typically present as focal liver lesions that can demonstrate characteristics such as increased vascularity and possibly hypoechoic or heterogeneous appearance depending on their size and the presence of associated liver disease. The risk factors, including hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, and alcohol use, further contribute to the clinical suspicion for hepatoma in this scenario. In contrast, while abscesses, adenomas, and hematomas can also present as liver masses, they are less likely to align with the symptoms of notable weight loss and consistent liver dysfunction observed in this patient. Abscesses may be associated with infection and fever, adenomas may present asymptomatically or with mild symptoms, and hematomas typically follow trauma. Thus, while these other pathologies may be considered in the

In the context of a patient presenting with weight loss and elevated liver function tests, a hepatoma, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is indeed the most suspicious pathology. Hepatomas are primary liver cancers that often arise in patients with chronic liver disease, which is frequently signaled by abnormal liver function tests. The combination of significant weight loss and abnormal liver tests raises concern for malignancy, and hepatoma is known for these associations.

Sonographically, hepatomas typically present as focal liver lesions that can demonstrate characteristics such as increased vascularity and possibly hypoechoic or heterogeneous appearance depending on their size and the presence of associated liver disease. The risk factors, including hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, and alcohol use, further contribute to the clinical suspicion for hepatoma in this scenario.

In contrast, while abscesses, adenomas, and hematomas can also present as liver masses, they are less likely to align with the symptoms of notable weight loss and consistent liver dysfunction observed in this patient. Abscesses may be associated with infection and fever, adenomas may present asymptomatically or with mild symptoms, and hematomas typically follow trauma. Thus, while these other pathologies may be considered in the