Adenoma treatment

Diagnosis

Laboratory chemistry tests reveal moderately elevated aminotransferase levels in around 50% of patients, which is presumably due to the mass effect of the tumor. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is within the reference range. In contrast, 50% of cases with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have elevated values. Elevated AFP values therefore indicate either a primary liver carcinoma or a malignant transformation of the adenoma. However, normal AFP concentrations cannot rule out HCC.

Computer tomogram of a liver adenoma

Treatment

Smaller, centrally located adenomas can usually be observed, larger and peripherally located adenomas (> 3-5 cm) should usually be removed. Most resections of individual adenomas can be performed laparoscopically (“keyhole technique”).

In general, patients are advised to stop taking oral contraceptives or anabolic steroids. Although the tumor may subsequently shrink again, the risk of malignant transformation remains, so that resection is still indicated.

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