Spectrum of hepatocellular carcinoma on triple phase helical CT: A pictorial essay

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignancy. With the availability of a variety of treatment options for HCC, it is essential to detect, localize and stage HCC comprehensively. Recent application of helical computed tomography (CT) using the triple phase technique, along with optimized rapid delivery of contrast material has significantly improved the diagnostic confidence of the radiologist in not only detection and characterization of HCC, but also in defining the extent of the tumor. In this pictorial essay, we present a spectrum of findings in HCC as evaluated by triple phase helical CT. A variety of imaging features are described, and the utility of the technique in localization and characterization of HCC is emphasized.