Imaging studies, including x-ray photographs, CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are used to analyze the patient's abnormalities or injuries before the operation in order to plan the surgery

Imaging studies are useful in locating specific areas of abnormal tissue in the liver.

Typically, imaging studies such as x rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) , heart tracing studies (ECG), and routine blood work are performed before surgery

Imaging techniques include computed tomography scan (CT scan ), positron emission tomography (PET) , or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

Imaging studies, however, cannot tell the difference between a hepatoma and other abnormal masses or lumps of tissue (nodules) in the liver.