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Kobayashi et al. Hepatoma Res 2020;6:36 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-5079.2020.24 Page 13 of 14

CONCLUSION
In this article, we have reviewed how malignant nodules can be differentiated from benign ones in multi-
step hepatocarcinogenesis using various imaging techniques. It is difficult to draw a clear line between
them however, because different imaging modalities reflect different pathophysiology and biopsies could
have sampling errors. However, this review would have helped in understanding of the current status in
diagnosing hepatocellular nodules, whether benign or malignant, in various imaging modalities.

DECLARATIONS

Authors’ contributions
Design of the review: Matsui O, Kobayashi S
Literature review and Manuscript writing: Kobayashi S, Kozaka K, Minami T
Manuscript revision: Kobayashi S, Gabata T

Availability of data and materials
Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.

Consent for publication
Not applicable.

Copyright
© The Author(s) 2020.

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