Spontaneous liver cell adenoma in children

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Liver cell adenomas (LCAs) are rare benign liver tumors.
• Understanding their behavior in children is crucial for appropriate management.
• Spontaneous regression of LCAs is exceptionally uncommon.

Observation:

• Five pediatric cases of spontaneous liver cell adenoma were analyzed.
• Tumors exhibited benign biologic behavior with no malignant transformation over long-term follow-up.
• Unusual associated findings included generalized osteoporosis, urticaria, and koilonychia.

Findings:

• Microscopic examination revealed neoplastic hepatocytes with minimal atypia and absence of normal liver structures.
• Focal extramedullary hematopoiesis and multinucleate giant cells with tumor necrosis were novel histologic findings.
• One LCA demonstrated unprecedented spontaneous regression over 26 years.

Implications:

• Benign liver neoplasms like these LCAs likely warrant conservative management strategies.
• The potential for spontaneous regression in pediatric liver tumors warrants further investigation.
• These findings contribute to the understanding of rare pediatric liver neoplasms and their clinical course.