[Liver tumors in women using oral hormonal contraceptives]

The association between the use of oral contraceptives and the induction of liver tumors was first discussed by Baum et al. in 1973 [4]. Since the introduction of the pill a slight increase in the incidence of benign liver tumors has been found. In recent studies this could not be shown for liver cell carcinomas. In the world literature (1971-1994) 637 cases of patients with liver tumors who had taken oral contraceptives at any time of their lives have been reported. 233 liver cell adenomas, 210 focal nodular hyperplasia and 194 liver carcinomas were found. The incidence of liver tumors was not influenced by the type of progestin used.