Diagnosis and treatment of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia / 中华普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features,diagnosis and treatment of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver.MethodsClinical data of 42 FNH patients confirmed by pathology at our hospital between 2004 and 2011 were analyzed retrospectively.Thirty-eight cases underwent resection,and the other 4 patients were diagnosed by liver biopsy. ResultsThe 42 cases consisted of 25 males and 17 females,and age ranged from 14 to 51 years.Most of the patients (95.2％) had no significant clinical symptoms,and the liver function test was normal in 97.6％ (41/42) patients.The typical imaging features of FNH was the central scar and the radiating pattern.Thirty-eight cases underwent liver resection without any postoperative complication,and no recurrence was observed within 6 -90 months of follow up.For the other 4 cases,observation with periodic imaging follow up was performed after liver biopsy for 27 - 88 months without changes in all the lesions. ConclusionsFNH is a benign tumor of the liver.Observative follow up is recommended for asymptomatic patients with a definite diagnosis preoperatively.Surgical resection should be performed for symptomatic patients (epigastric pain or discomfort),or for patients with a suspicion of malignancy.