Current Status of Imaging Diagnosis and Treatment of Subcentimeter Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Significant advances in liver imaging technology have facilitated the early detection of subcentimeter hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Contrast-enhanced ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to diagnose subcentimeter HCC based on the typical imaging features of HCC. Ancillary imaging features such as T2 weighted-imaging mild-moderate hyperintensity, restricted diffusion, and hepatobiliary phase hypointensity may improve the diagnostic accuracy of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI for subcentimeter HCC. More information is needed to choose between immediate treatment or watchful waiting in subcentimeter HCC. Surgical resection, ablation, and transarterial chemoembolization are effective and safe methods for the management of subcentimeter HCC.