Management of bengin liver tumors

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The incidental finding of benign hepatobiliary lesions has markedly increased due to the widespread use of abdominal imaging: most benign liver tumors are asymptomatic and often coincident when detected during the work-up of abdominal complaints. Since a correct diagnosis is crucial for further management, both physicians and surgeons should be familiar with the hierarchy of diagnostic methods and the indications for resection. The publication at hand summarizes a series of international expert discussions that focus on the management of benign hepatobiliary lesions: Liver cysts and hemangiomas, for instance, usually do not require specific treatment as they rarely become complicated. Resection, on the other hand, is indicated in congenital bile duct cysts and cystadenoma because of the risk of malignant transformation. Also addressed is the difficulty to diagnostically differentiate between focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenoma. This distinction is important in view of the risk of bleeding and the malignant potential of hepatocellular adenoma. Moreover, the recent molecular approach to a subclassification of hepatocellular adenoma is introduced. This publication is intended for physicians, surgeons and hepatologists who want to stay abreast of recent opinions in the management of benign liver tumors.