Should Focal Nodular Hyperplasia Still be Operated Upon? Analysis of a Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a frequent benign liver lesion. Its course is considered benign, and there is no recommendation for its treatment. Nevertheless, the literature presents a high incidence of surgery.

AIM: To evaluate the results of conservative treatment in a series of patients with presumed FNH.

METHODS: The study included patients diagnosed with FNH from May 2007 to July 2017 based on conventional imaging or magnetic resonance imaging with liver-specific contrast (MRI-LSC) or lesion biopsy (histology/immunohistochemical analysis). Patients were followed clinically and using imaging exams.

RESULTS: In a total of 54 patients, the diagnosis was obtained by typical findings on computed tomography scan and gadolinium MRI in 48.1% of the patients, by MRI-LSC in 31.5%, and by histological examination in 20.4% of cases. The mean follow-up time was 35.5 months. The initially asymptomatic patients remained symptom-free, and none of those with HNF-related pain had to worsen of the initial symptom. Conservative treatment was effective in 94.4% of the cases. In only 3 cases, there was a need for some therapeutic approach (5.5%); 2 cases for pain and 1 case for lesion growth during follow-up.

CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that it is safe to conservatively manage patients with FNH presumed by highly accurate imaging tests. Similar to hepatic hemangiomas, surgery for FNH should be an exception.