Thorium dioxide and the liver--scintigraphic aspects.

Twenty-four patients followed up by the Portuguese Thorotrast Study Group had liver radioisotopic visualization. A high rate of scans typical of advanced malignancy was found and the authors feel that these patients (knowing they suffer from iatrogenic disease) refuse repeated examinations and laboratory testing, searching medical aid only when malignancy is far advanced. The difficulties of clinical and laboratory follow-up and early liver detection are presented.