Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver

ABSTRACT

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a benign hepatic tumor that likely represents a local hyperplastic response of hepatocytes to a congenital vascular anomaly. The histological feature of focal nodular hyperplasia is dominated by a progressive fibrotic process. Focal lesions of the liver represent a significant diagnostic problem for various imaging modalities. Because of that, in some cases, the distinction between focal nodular hyperplasia and other primary hepatic neoplasms is not possible. In the present report, we describe focal nodular hyperplasia observed in three patients with and without chronic liver disease. These patients were disclosed by various imaging procedures. Under the clinical impression of a hepatocellular carcinoma, operations were performed. The results were consistent with the typical observation in focal nodular hyperplasia. We report three cases of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver mimicking hepatocellular carcinomas in patients with and without chronic liver disease.