Liver and Spleen Scan

Results

A liver and spleen scan is a nuclear scan that is done to look at these organs for disease. The results of a liver and spleen scan are ready in 2 days.

Liver and spleen scan

Normal:	Normal amounts of the radioactive tracer are found in the liver and spleen. No areas of large or small amounts of tracer are seen.
	The liver and spleen are normal in size, shape, and location.
Abnormal:	The tracer pattern shows a cyst, an abscess, a collection of blood (hematoma), or a tumor.
	The tracer pattern in the liver may show diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
	The liver or spleen may be enlarged because of a disease or may have an abnormal shape because a tumor is pressing against the organ.
	Certain types of tumors may cause large or small amounts of tracer to collect in the liver or spleen.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
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