Practical approach to diagnose and manage benign liver masses

Abstract

Benign liver lesions are among the most commonly diagnosed abnormalities in liver imaging. They are often discovered incidentally during routine examinations or imaging conducted for unrelated reasons. These can be solid lesions, such as hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatic adenomas, or cystic lesions. Recent advancements in MRI technology, particularly with hepatocyte-specific contrast agents, have enhanced the characterization of these lesions, reducing the reliance on invasive tissue sampling. Nevertheless, tissue sampling retains a crucial role in the evaluation of indeterminate lesions or those with malignant potential. While most benign liver lesions are asymptomatic, some can become symptomatic, causing discomfort, pain, or bleeding, particularly if the lesion is large. A deep understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the lesions is crucial for tailoring patient management strategies, particularly in distinguishing lesions that require surgical intervention from those that can be monitored. For instance, the molecular subclassification of hepatic adenomas has provided mechanistic insights and identified certain subtypes that are at higher risk of malignancy. Most benign liver lesions can be safely monitored; however, in patients with cirrhosis or a known primary malignancy, a high index of suspicion for cancer is required. It is crucial to carefully evaluate any liver lesion identified in these patients to ensure that indeterminate lesions are not overlooked. Effective management of benign liver lesions involves a multidisciplinary team, including hepatologists, surgeons, and radiologists, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized approach to patient care. This review outlines the clinical presentation of common benign liver lesions, providing a diagnostic and management framework. Emphasis is placed on a personalized approach to minimize patient distress and optimize outcomes by leveraging imaging advancements and multidisciplinary collaboration.