[Pathology of liver tumors]

There is a worldwide increase in the number of focal liver lesions, including liver tumors. Focal liver lesions can either be tumorous or non-tumorous. Cysts and cystic tumors comprise an important group, their latest classification is reported in this paper. The basic classification of tumors has not changed, benign and malignant; epithelial and mesenchymal, as well as those of other origin can be distinguished. The malignant tumors observed in the liver are forty times more frequently metastatic than primary. It is essential to emphasize that not all multiple liver tumors are malignant and that tumors of different origin and dignity can simultaneously be present in the liver. The cytological examination of samples taken by fine needle aspiration technique is becoming more and more significant in the differentiation of focal liver lesions.