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Benign liver tumors: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Benign liver tumors are quite common. They are usually asymptomatic, but in some cases they cause hepatomegaly, discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, or intra-abdominal bleeding. Most often, benign liver tumors are detected by chance during ultrasound or other methods. Liver function tests are usually normal or slightly altered. Diagnosis is usually based on instrumental examination, but sometimes a biopsy is needed. Treatment is usually not required.
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Where does it hurt?
Hepatocellular adenoma
Hepatocellular adenoma is the most important benign tumor diagnosed. It occurs most often in women of childbearing age, mainly using oral contraceptives. Most adenomas are asymptomatic, but large tumors may cause discomfort in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Occasionally, adenomas may be complicated by peritonitis and shock due to rupture and intra-abdominal hemorrhage. They rarely become malignant. Diagnosis is most often made by ultrasound or CT, but biopsy is usually necessary to verify the diagnosis. Adenomas caused by contraceptive use often regress after discontinuation of the drug. Some authors recommend resection of subcapsular adenomas.
Focal nodular hyperplasia
Focal nodular hyperplasia is a circumscribed hamartoma (progonoblastoma) that histologically resembles macronodular cirrhosis. Diagnosis is usually based on MRI or CT with contrast, but biopsy is sometimes necessary. Treatment is usually not required.
Other benign liver tumors include hemangiomas, which are usually small, asymptomatic, and occur in 1% to 5% of adults. They typically present as characteristic, highly vascular lesions and are discovered incidentally on ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Tumors, even when large, rarely rupture and generally require no treatment. In neonates, large hemangiomas occasionally cause arteriovenous shunting, leading to heart failure and sometimes consumption coagulopathy. Benign bile duct adenomas and various rare mesenchymal tumors may also affect the hepatobiliary system.
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