Frequently, patients with liver tumors are asymptomatic (have no symptoms). The diagnosis is made during an examination as part of a routine follow-up after cancer treatment. If a patient with colon cancer is going to develop metastatic disease in the liver, this will occur most likely within two years. Occasionally patients with liver tumors will develop symptoms such as pain, abdominal fullness, fever, or jaundice.

When your primary care physician finds a reason to suspect cancer in the liver, you will be advised to undergo a series of diagnostic tests. Some of these tests are noninvasive and require a brief visit to a clinic or lab. Others are more involved and may require an overnight stay in a hospital.

When you schedule your testing, consider scheduling the more difficult tests on separate days. While it may be less convenient, some tests may tire you and require a day or so of recovery. Consider scheduling your tests on days when a friend or family member can accompany you. Not only can this person provide support, but he or she can also assist technicians and medical personnel with your health history as well as help them keep you comfortable.

When your testing is complete, don't leave the testing facility until you feel ready. Even noninvasive testing can be exhausting, so don't expect to feel energetic afterwards.

Remember that diagnostic testing can become quite stressful. Allow yourself as much time as safely possible to learn about the test and to recover from the testing experience.