Benign Neoplasms
posted in The Aging Liver |Hemangioma, the most common benign neoplasm of the liver, is found in about 5% of adult aulopsies. Other benign tumors include hepatocellular adenoma and local nodular hyperplasia, which are most often associated with oral contraceplives and are not usually seen in elderly persons. Bile duct adenomas and cystadenomas and rare mesenchymal tumors have also been reported.
Symptoms and Signs
Usually, these tumors are asymptomatic and are found incidentally at laparotomy or when a CT scan, ultrasonography, or angiography is performed for unrelated symptoms. Rarely, patients with hemangiomas present with massive hemorrhage from rupture or consumptive coagulopathy (Kasabach-Merritt syndrome).
Diagnosis and Treatment
liver function lest results are normal or slightly abnormal. The diagnosis can be established by routine liver biopsy in nonvascular lesions, although laparoscopy or laparotomy is often necessary- Therapy for nonvascular tumors usually consists of segmental resection.
