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Evaluation of nonmalignant liver masses
Wojciech Blonski1, K Rajender Reddy
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, 3 Ravdin Building, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19014, USA.
Current Gastroenterology Reports
|March 3, 2006
Summary
Benign liver lesions are commonly found incidentally using imaging scans. Most non-cancerous liver masses can be diagnosed non-invasively based on their imaging features alone.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Nonmalignant liver masses are increasingly detected due to advanced imaging techniques.
- Most liver lesions are found incidentally in asymptomatic individuals.
- Radiologic appearance and histologic origin are key classification factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of common benign liver lesions.
- To recommend a practical diagnostic approach for these lesions.
- To emphasize non-invasive diagnostic methods.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging characteristics (ultrasonography, CT, MRI) of benign liver lesions.
- Classification based on radiologic appearance (solid/cystic, vascularity).
- Classification based on histologic origin (hepatocellular, biliary, mesenchymal).
Main Results:
- Benign liver lesions are frequently identified incidentally.
- Lesions can be categorized by imaging features and origin.
- Accurate diagnosis is often achievable through imaging alone.
Conclusions:
- Noninvasive imaging is highly effective for diagnosing benign liver masses.
- An invasive approach is rarely necessary for these lesions.
- A practical diagnostic strategy relies on interpreting imaging findings.