Contrast-Enhanced CT and MRI in Diagnosing and Staging Liver Cancer Using UNOS Policy

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Presence of ≥ 1 focal liver lesion(s) compatible with imaging diagnosis of stage II hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network \[OPTN\] Class 5B liver lesion) on contrast-enhanced CT scan and/or contrast-enhanced MRI OR 2 or 3 focal liver lesions, each between \> 1 and \< 3 cm diameter, if each is compatible with imaging diagnosis of HCC on contrast-enhanced CT imaging and/or contrast-enhanced MRI * Imaging findings must be within the Milan criteria * Listed on the regional OPTN/United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) liver transplant wait list with HCC-exception MELD points * Listed with the intent to undergo either deceased donor transplantation or live donor adult liver transplantation * No evidence of any of the following: * Extrahepatic tumor * Unifocal tumor mass \> 5 cm in diameter * Multifocal tumors ≥ 4 in number * Multiple (≤ 3) HCC with ≥ 1 tumor ≥ 3 cm in diameter PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: * No renal failure, as determined by estimated GFR (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min * No renal insufficiency, as determined by eGFR 30-60 mL/min * Not pregnant * Negative pregnancy test * Able to comply with breathing and other imaging-related instructions resulting in ability to obtain diagnostic-quality CT scan or MRI studies (OPTN Class 0) * None of the following conditions that would make the patient unsuitable to undergo MRI with extracellular gadolinium-based contrast agent that does not have dominant hepato…