Introduction: Advanced therapies are improving significantly the survival of patients with malignant focal liver disease. For efficient implementation of these surgical and interventional techniques a clear concept of the diagnostic procedure is mandatory.
Methods: Based on a review of the current literature, the different imaging modalities, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance tomography, nuclear medicine and angiography, are discussed and evaluated for their diagnostic efficacy in focal hepatic disease.
Results: Considering clinical, diagnostic, and economical appropriateness, recommendations for diagnostic strategies in different clinical scenarios regarding focal heptic disease are presented.
Conclusion: If the power of specific imaging methods are relevant clinical information is known, problem-based diagnostic strategies help to avoid unnecessary, expensive and time-consuming studies in the work-up of focal liver lesions.