[Tumors of the liver and biliary system]

The classification of tumours is based on the traditional classification into epithelial, mesenchymal and less common types. The most frequent epithelial tumour is hepatocellular carcinoma, which usually develops in a cirrhotically altered liver. Its differentiation from regenerative and hyperplastic liver changes by needle biopsy may prove very difficult. Malignant mesenchymal liver tumours are rare. Because of a more frequent incidence and uncertain biological behaviour epitheloid haemangioendotheliomas are more important. Newly described units include also inflammatory pseudotumours and primary MALT lymphoma of the liver.