Once a liver nodule is detected by ultrasound, a dynamic imaging technique (computed tomography or magnetic resonance) should be performed for further characterization. If this nodule displays a specific vascular profile through the different phases of the dynamic study, a conclusive HCC diagnosis can be done without the need of a biopsy. Contrarily, if the vascular pattern is not the typical, a biopsy is recommended. There is an active research in tumor markers that could help physicians to diagnose the disease at a very early stage, when imaging techniques and pathological assessment are unable to confidently achieve the HCC diagnosis.