VALUE OF LIVER-SCAN IN FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH ADENOCARCINOMA OF COLON AND RECTUM

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 144  (5) , 745-748
Abstract
Seventy patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum had a liver scan followed by surgical exploration of the liver. Preoperatively, blood chemistry studies were done in addition to palpation of the abdomen. Surgical findings were correlated to results of the liver scans, function tests and palpation of the liver. The overall concordance of liver scans with surgical findings was 78%. Thirty per cent had false-positive results and 15% had false-negative results. The correlation of the liver scan with surgical findings was improved with increasing extent of metastases. When < 25% of the liver was replaced by tumor, there was a random correlation of scan to surgical findings. By combining liver scans and liver function tests, metastases could be predicted with increased reliability only in patients who had severe metastatic disease of the liver. Patients with liver scans suggestive of metastatic disease, with and most liver function tests within normal limits, should undergo exploration to establish the diagnosis. Exploratory laparotomy seems to be the only way to avoid chemotherapeutic treatment of patients with false-positive scans and still allow detection and treatment of metastases to the liver to occur at earlier stages.

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