Complete Resection of Mucinous Liver Cyst Initially Masked as a Hydatid Cyst

Hepatic cystic mucinous neoplasm is a low-prevalence tumor with malignant potential. Due to its infrequent presentation, it is often misdiagnosed and inadequately treated. The purpose of the present work is to report a case, review the corresponding literature, determine the most optimal surgical treatment option, and contrast it with what has been performed.

A 53-year-old female patient with upper hemiabdomen pain and elevated serum liver enzyme levels. Computed tomography revealed a multilocular cystic liver tumor measuring 52 mm × 63 mm between segments 4 and 5. The patient underwent a first surgery, laparoscopic unroofing. The anatomopathological result was mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN-L) without malignancy. With the result, a second surgery was scheduled to complete the resection of the remaining cyst, and an open left hepatectomy was performed.

MCN-L of the liver is an infrequent presentation and occurs in <5% of cystic liver tumors. Because this tumor has malignant potential, complete surgical resection is the best treatment option.

We present a case of MCN-L of the liver with two-stage complete resection because this tumor, although benign, has a high potential for malignancy and recurrence.