[Benign hepatic tumors: diagnostic management and therapeutic outcome]

The number of non-malignant tumors of the liver diagnosis has greatly increased with widespread use of abdominal ultrasonography. Unlike hemangioma and focal nodular hyperplasia does not require surgery as does hepatocellular adenoma due to the risk of fatal complications. Differentiation between these three kinds of benign tumors is of prime importance to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions. Progress in medical imaging facilitates identification of hemangioma and focal nodular hyperplasia, but in case of doubt, histological proof must be obtained. Laparoscopy may be indicated not only for diagnostic but also for therapeutic purposes.