Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver in Patients Previously Treated for Pediatric Neoplastic Diseases

Abstract

The discovery of a liver nodule during postcancer follow-up suggests malignancy recurrence. However, patients previously treated for pediatric cancers are at greater risk of developing benign hepatic tumors, raising the problems of getting an accurate noninvasive diagnosis. Here we report 3 cases of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in patients previously treated for pediatric neoplastic diseases. Radiologic findings and needle-biopsies remained insufficient in 2 cases to rule out metastasis or a potentially threatening tumor. Only surgical resection led to positive diagnosis and prevented complications. However, a review of the literature shows that if the nodule presents with typical features of focal nodular hyperplasia a close imaging follow-up is all that is recommended.