Adenoma and biliary cystadenoma

Hepatic adenomas are rare liver tumors whose pathomolecular classification distinguishes it from other hepatic lesions and directly impacts its clinical course. The incidence of hepatic adenomas is about 0.1 per 100,000 in non-oral contraceptive users versus 4 per 100,000 in oral contraceptive users. Biliary cystadenomas are rare epithelial tumors which account for less than 5 % of all cystic liver lesions. Although benign, both hepatic adenomas and biliary cystadenomas have malignant potential and can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary cystadenocarcinoma, respectively. More liberal use of cross-sectional imaging has led to increased diagnosis of both neoplasms. A careful and thorough diagnostic evaluation is necessary. Appropriate management consists of complete surgical excision and obtaining negative margins in order to lower the likelihood of recurrent or residual neoplastic disease. We describe the incidence, etiology, clinical presentation, and therapy of both lesions with a particular emphasis on appropriate management of these rare liver neoplasms.