Distinguishing benign from malignant liver tumours

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Hepatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Liver masses are common, with most being benign.
• Accurate diagnosis is vital to avoid overtreatment of benign lesions and undertreatment of malignancies.
• Cancer patients may have incidental benign liver lesions, complicating treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe key imaging features of common benign liver masses.
• To provide an approach for differentiating benign from malignant hepatic lesions.

Main Methods:

• Review of salient imaging features of common benign liver masses.
• Outline of a general diagnostic approach.

Main Results:

• Common benign liver masses have characteristic imaging appearances.
• A systematic approach aids in distinguishing benign from malignant lesions.

Conclusions:

• Understanding benign liver mass imaging characteristics is essential for accurate diagnosis.
• Avoiding misdiagnosis prevents unnecessary interventions in cancer patients and the general population.