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Hepatocellular Adenoma

A benign liver tumor of the liver, generally associated with hormonal background in women.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Hepatocellular Adenoma?

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign yet clinically significant tumor of the liver. Classically seen in women of reproductive age using long-term estrogen-containing oral contraceptives; it is also associated with anabolic steroid use and glycogen storage diseases.

At the molecular level, it has subtypes including HNF1A-mutated, inflammatory, beta-catenin-activated, and unclassified. The beta-catenin activated subtype is the group with the highest risk for malignant transformation.

Adenomas exceeding 5 cm in size require close follow-up or surgery as they carry a risk of bleeding and transformation into hepatocellular carcinoma.

Symptoms

Often detected incidentally (asymptomatic)
Discomfort or fullness in the right upper quadrant
Palpable mass in large lesions
Sudden and severe abdominal pain (rupture/bleeding)
Nausea and vomiting
Hypotension and shock (intraperitoneal hemorrhage)
Rarely jaundice

Risk Factors

Long-term oral contraceptive use
Pregnancy
Anabolic androgen and steroid use
Obesity and metabolic syndrome
Glycogen storage disease (types I and III)
Male sex (rarer but with high malignant potential)
Family history of adenomatosis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When a liver mass is detected on imaging
  • If a woman using oral contraceptives develops right upper quadrant pain
  • If sudden abdominal pain and hypotension develop (emergency)
  • When the lesion exceeds 5 cm in follow-up
  • In HCA patients planning pregnancy

Treatment Methods

01
Discontinuation of oral contraceptives and anabolic steroids
02
Radiological follow-up (MRI or US) for asymptomatic lesions <5 cm
03
Surgical resection for >5 cm, symptomatic, or beta-catenin activated lesions
04
Emergency transarterial embolization followed by surgery in bleeding adenoma
05
Pre-pregnancy treatment of lesions in patients planning pregnancy
06
Low threshold for surgery in male patients (due to risk of malignant transformation)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.