摘要The development of most hepatocellular carcinomas(HCCs)follows a complex multistep process,progressing from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis,regenerative nodule,low-grade dysplastic nodule,high-grade dysplastic nod-ule,small hepatocellular carcinoma,and progressed HCC.Throughout the process,different lesions have different pathological characteristics that are reflected in their unique imaging characteristics.Different imaging methods have their own advantages and disadvantages in the diagnosis and grading of HCC.Contrast-enhanced ultrasonog-raphy and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging are the most accurate for diagnosing precancerous lesions and small hepatocellular carcinoma.This article reviews the classification and pathological characteristics of liver nodules during the evolution of HCC,and the imaging diagnosis and grading of HCC.