| Abstract: |
The process of differentiating certain benign liver tumors is becoming a significant clinical component of referrals to tertiary hepatobiliary center. Benign liver tumors affect up to approximately 20% of population and outnumber malignant tumors by a 2 to 1 Benign liver tumors are increasingly being diagnosed as a result of the widespread use of ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance in the evaluation of patients with non-specific abdominal symptoms These tumors are derived from the hepatocytes, bile duct epithelium, and endothelial cells. There are other cell systems in the liver, including connective tissue and muscle cells, macrophages and neuroendocrine cellsBased on the cell origin, most frequent solid benign tumors can be classified into two groups according to epithelial or mesenchymal origins. Epithelial lesions include hepatocellular [focal nodular hyperplaisia (FNH) and adenoma] and cholangiocellular (bile duct adenoma) tumors. Mesenchymal tumors originating from blood vessels include haemangioma, tumors originating from adipose tissue include). angiolipoma, and tumors originating from muscle tissue include leiomyoma. Mesenchymal hamartomas originate from mixed epithelial and mesenchymal tissues Most solid benign liver lesions, including haemangioma, FNH, and regenerative processes remain asymptomatic, do not increase in volume, and do not require any treatment or follow-up. By contrast, hepatic adenoma may be associated with serious complication Most of the patients are asymptomatic until tumors exceed a diameter of 10 cm. Symptoms, when present, are often nonspecific such as vague abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, and early satiety, nausea, vomiting, or continued fever. Rare presentations include obstructive jaundice, Budd-chiari syndrome, spontaneous rupture and haemorrhagr.
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