[Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver]

Two cases of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver were presented. The first case involved a 9 year old girl in whom palpable findings were made in the left lobe of the liver. The second case was incidentally discovered during a cholecystectomy. In both cases the laboratory results were within normal limits. The changes were found in the left portion of the liver. They were well delineated from the surrounding parenchyme and appeared septated. Central fibrotic contraction was also noted. The hepatocytes showed no changes. The biliary network was proliferated and the fibrous septae were of various thicknesses being in some places invaded by inflammatory infiltrate and irregular stretching. These alterations must be differentiated from hepatic adenoma because of the latter's malignant potential. Focal nodular hyperplastic lesions of the liver on the other hand are benign. The postoperative laboratory findings were also within normal limits. A lobectomy was performed in the first case and a partial resection and tumerectomy was carried out in the second case.