Not every liver mass or cyst is cancer, and not every lesion requires surgery.
What is this condition?
Hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma and simple cysts have different biological characteristics.
Signs and symptoms
Most benign lesions cause no symptoms; large or complicated lesions may cause discomfort.
Diagnostic assessment
Cancer history, chronic liver disease risk and contrast-enhanced imaging features are important in assessment.
General treatment framework
Need for surveillance, further imaging, biopsy or surgery depends on lesion type.
Role of surgery
Surgery may be considered for selected lesions with diagnostic uncertainty, growth, complications or malignant potential.