Contrast-enhanced ultrasound demonstrates greater adjuvant potential: past, current status, and future applications in hepatocellular carcinoma early diagnosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has an atypical onset of clinical symptoms and a rapid tumor progression. The majority of patients with HCC are already in the late stages of the disease when they are diagnosed, limiting them to the best available treatments. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has achieved significant advances in the diagnosis of HCC, including the detection of small lesions, the investigation of more beneficial contrast agents, and the use of CEUS-based radiomics. The purpose of this review is to discuss the relevant research and future challenges of CEUS in the early detection of HCC, to advise more accurate therapy.