Focal Lesions in the Liver Flashcards
What are the benign focal lesions in the liver?
Haemangioma
Focal nodular hyperplasia
Adenoma
Liver cysts
What are the malignant focal lesions in the liver?
1. Primary liver cancers: Hepatocellular carcinoma Cholangiocarcinoma - Fibrolamellar carcinoma - Hepatoblastoma, inc. angiosarcoma and haemangioendothelioma
- Metastases from elsewhere
How common are haemangiomas?
Commonest liver tumour, with prevalence being higher in females
Features of haemangiomas?
Usually a single, small hypervascular tumour that is contained in a well-demarcated capsule; they are usually asymptomatic
Hypervascular refers to the high conc. of blood vessels, enabling rapid growth
Diagnostic methods of haemangiomas?
Ultrasound shows an echogenic spot that is well-demarcated
CT scan shows venous enhancement, from periphery to centre
MRI scan shows a high intensity area
There is no need for FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration - biopsy)
How are haemangiomas treated?
No need for treatment
What is Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH)?
Benign nodule formation of normal liver tissue; there is a hyperplastic response to abnormal arterial flow
It can occur as a congenital vascular anomaly and has an assoc. with Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome (autosomal dominant genetic disorder that leads to abnormal blood vessel formation) and with liver haemangiomas
Appearance of FNH?
Classically, a central scar containing a large artery, with branches radiating to the periphery
Histology of FNH?
Sinusoids, bile ductules and Kupffer cells are all present; they contain all the liver ultrastructure (they are isotense on sulfur colloid scan)
How common is FNH and what are the symptoms?
More common in young and middle-aged women; there is no relation to sex hormones
Usually asymptomatic but can cause minimal pain; there is minimal bleeding risk
Diagnosis of FNH?
Ultrasound shows a nodule with varying echogenecity
CT scan shows a hypervascular mass with a central scar
MRI scan shows iso/hypo intense
FNA shows normal hepatocytes and Kupffer cells with a central core
Treatment of FNH?
No treatment necessary, inc. in pregnancy and with hormones
What is a hepatic adenoma?
Benign neoplasm composed of normal HEPATOCYTES, with NO portal tract, central veins or bile duct (cold on nuclear sulfur colloid scan)
They usually occur in the right lobe
How common are hepatic adenomas?
More common in women and assoc. with contraceptive hormones and androgenic steroids (related to duration of use)
Multiple adenomas (adenomatosis) is rare and usually assoc. with glycogen storage disease
Symptoms of hepatic adenoma?
Usually asymptomatic (often an incidental finding) but may have RUQ pain and bleeding (size-related)
Presentation may be with rupture, haemorrhage or malignant transformation (rare)
Diagnosis of hepatic adenomas?
Ultrasound will show a filling defect
CT scan shows diffuse arterial enhancement
MRI scan shows hypo/hyper intense lesion
FNA may be needed
Treatment of hepatic adenomas?
Stop hormones and observe every 6 months for 2 years; if there is no regression, surgical excision is required
Males requires immediate resection, due to higher risk of malignant transformation
5 types of cystic lesions?
Simple Hydatid Atypical Polycystic Pyogenic or amoebic abscess
What is a simple cyst?
Collection of liquid lined by an epithelium; there is no biliary tree communication and they tend to be solitary, unilocular cysts
Symptoms of simple cyst?
Usually asymptomatic but symptoms can be related to: Intracystic haemorrhage Infection Rupture (rare) Compression
Management of simple cysts?
No follow-up necessary but, if there is doubt, image in 3-6 months
If asymptomatic or uncertain diagnosis (complex cystic lesion), consider surgical intervention