[Diagnostics and treatment of hepatocellular adenomas]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2016:160:D556.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

- Hepatocellular adenomas are essentially benign tumours of the liver that occur mostly in women of reproductive age. - The four different subtypes described, which can be distinguished both radiologically and histopathologically, are: steatotic, inflammatory, β-catenin mutated and unclassified adenomas. These subtypes differ in the risk of complications.- Contrast-enhanced liver MRI is the best method for diagnostics and characterization of hepatocellular adenomas. - Possible complications include bleeding, rupture, and malignant degeneration of the hepatocellular adenoma. These complications are rare in adenomas < 5 cm. - Men with hepatocellular adenomas are at higher risk for malignant degeneration. - In women, lifestyle changes (cessation of oral contraceptive and weight reduction) can cause regression of the adenoma, which can prevent the necessity for liver surgery. - In pregnant women there is a risk of growth of hepatocellular adenoma. It is, therefore, it is recommended to check the tumour in pregnant women every 6-12 weeks using ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma, Liver Cell / complications
  • Adenoma, Liver Cell / diagnosis*
  • Adenoma, Liver Cell / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / complications
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / diagnosis
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / therapy