[Hepatocellular adenoma in 20 patients; recommendations for treatment].

OBJECTIVE

Analysis of the diagnostic approach and management of 20 patients with hepatocellular adenoma, 1979-1996.

SETTING

University Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

DESIGN

Retrospective and follow-up analysis.

METHOD: Medical records of patients with histologically proven hepatocellular adenoma were analysed with respect to complaints, diagnostic approach and therapeutical management. Follow-up took place at the outpatient department where history-taking, physical examination, ultrasonography and hepatitis B and C serology tests were performed.

RESULTS

In the period 1979-1996, 20 patients with hepatocellular adenoma were treated. Eight patients (mean tumour size 3.2 cm (1.5-5)) were treated conservatively, 12 (mean tumour size 8.1 cm (6-10)) underwent hepatic resection; four because of rupture of the tumour. Serum liver enzyme values did not contribute to the diagnosis. Of the lesions 78% were diagnosed correctly by ultrasonography and 71% by computer tomography. Median follow-up of the patients treated operatively was 73 months (1-204). One patient died three years after an incomplete resection of a hepatocellular adenoma, because of a hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrasonography did not demonstrate any recurrent tumours in the other patients. In the group of patients conservatively treated (median follow-up 39 months (24-72)) two patients died because of a hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultrasonography demonstrated stable tumour diameters in three patients and regression in three others.

CONCLUSION

Based on the literature and the presented experience surgical treatment is the treatment of choice in patients with large (> or = 5 cm diameter) hepatocellular adenomas because of the risk of malignant transformation and rupture of the tumour. With smaller tumours (< 5 cm) a conservative treatment may suffice in hepatitis virus negative patients, including withdrawal of oral contraceptives followed by thorough ultrasound follow-up of tumour size. In case of tumour growth or complaints a resection of the tumour is indicated.