Hepatic adenoma in a 7-year-old girl: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are rare benign tumors of the liver that occur predominantly in women taking oral contraceptives. In children, HCAs comprise < 5% of hepatic tumors. We report a case of HCAs in a 7-year-old girl with estrogen and glucose imbalance. CASE PRESENTATION: A 7-year-old girl was presented to our hospital with bilateral breast enlargement for 2 months, polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, hyperglycemia, and significant weight gain. Computed tomography (CT) showed a 7.2 cm×6.9 cm×5.3 cm round-shaped mass in the left inner lobe of the liver, ovarian ultrasound showed multiple follicles in the ovaries bilaterally, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an enlarged superior pituitary. Hematological and biochemical results were as follows: fasting glucose was 19.7 mmol/L, estradiol was 122.9 pmol/L, follicle-stimulating hormone 10.81 IU/L, luteinizing hormone 10.99 IU/L, insulin-like growth factor 1,513 ng/mL, glutamine aminotransferase 86 U/L, and alkaline phosphatase 362 U/L. Thyroid functions, methemoglobin, fetal protein, carcinoembryonic antigen, and chorionic gonadotropin were normal. The patient had a complete surgical resection of the liver tumor, and the postoperative histopathological diagnosis was HCAs. After the surgery, insulin was injected and the glucose levels were stable. During the 36-month follow-up period, neither tumor recurrence nor significant abnormalities were detected using color Doppler ultrasound of the liver. The child's precocious puberty is currently under control. CONCLUSIONS: HCAs are particularly rare in children with liver tumors, and risk factors for the development of HCAs in children include sex hormone imbalance, obesity, Fanconi anemia (FA), glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) type I, III, and IV, galactosemia, immunodeficiency, congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS), cardiac hepatopathy status-post Fontan procedure, Hurler syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, germline HNF1A mutations, and maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 3. Most HCAs are detected during a physical examination without clinical symptoms, and some patients may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and abdominal masse. Serum liver function tests can show increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ- glutamyl transferase (GT), whereas α-Fetoprofein (AFP) levels are normal. The definitive diagnosis relies mainly on histopathological examination. Because HCAs can rupture and bleed and become malignant. Early surgical treatment is recommended after detection.

Steatotic hepatocellular adenoma: an unusual cause of a hypermetabolic liver lesion.

A 22-year-old woman with a history of surgically treated pelvic teratoma and solid liver lesion in the extension study. Radiological follow-up was decided. This liver lesion experienced a progressive increase in size, reaching 6 cm. Contrast-enhanced liver MRI was performed, revealing a heterogeneous mass in the right hepatic lobe with non-hepatocyte-like behaviour. With this information, the following entities were ruled out: haemangioma, adenoma, hepatocarcinoma and focal nodular hyperplasia. Given that it could be a teratoma metastasis, a tumour of any other origin or a non-tumoral lesion with no hepatocyte component, it was decided to perform a 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT scan. It showed the liver mass with notable glycolytic hypermetabolism, suggestive of malignancy. In a multidisciplinary committee, it was decided to perform a laparoscopic right hepatectomy. Pathological examination revealed a benign hepatocytic lesion compatible with a steatotic adenoma.

Stereotactic radiofrequency ablation as a valid first-line treatment option for hepatocellular adenomas.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of stereotactic radiofrequency ablation (SRFA) in patients with hepatocellular adenomas (HCA). METHODS: Retrospective analyses of all patients referred for SRFA treatment at our institution between January 2010 and October 2020 revealed 14 patients (10 women; mean age 34.4 [range, 17-73 years]) with 38 HCAs treated through 18 ablation sessions. Ablations were considered successful if a safety margin >5 mm was achieved. Demographic, interventional, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. Primary and secondary technical efficacy rates were assessed based on follow-up images consisting of contrast-enhanced CT or MR scans. RESULTS: The mean tumor size was 22 mm (range, 7-75 mm). Overall, 37/38 (97.4%) tumors were successfully ablated at the initial SRFA (primary efficacy rate of 97.4%). The median follow-up duration was 49.6 months. No deaths or adenoma-related complications (hemorrhage or malignant transformation) were observed. Disease-free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years from the date of the first SRFA were 100%, 85.8%, and 85.8%, respectively. Two patients developed new distant tumors retreated with consecutive re-ablation. No major complications occurred during any of the 18 ablation sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous thermal ablation is efficient in the treatment of HCAs and may thus be considered a valid first-line treatment option. In addition, SRFA allows for an effective, minimally invasive treatment of large and multiple hepatic tumors within one session.

Hepatocellular adenoma in men: A nationwide assessment of pathology and correlation with clinical course.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) rarely occur in males, and if so, are frequently associated with malignant transformation. Guidelines are based on small numbers of patients and advise resection of HCA in male patients, irrespective of size or subtype. This nationwide retrospective cohort study is the largest series of HCA in men correlating (immuno)histopathological and molecular findings with the clinical course. METHODS: Dutch male patients with available histological slides with a (differential) diagnosis of HCA between 2000 and 2017 were identified through the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA). Histopathology and immunohistochemistry according to international guidelines were revised by two expert hepatopathologists. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to confirm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and/or subtype HCA. Final pathological diagnosis was correlated with recurrence, metastasis and death. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients from 26 centres fulfilling the inclusion criteria with a mean (±SD) age of 45.0 ± 21.6 years were included. The diagnosis was changed after expert revision and NGS in 33 of the 66 patients (50%). After a median follow-up of 9.6 years, tumour-related mortality of patients with accessible clinical data was 1/18 (5.6%) in HCA, 5/14 (35.7%) in uncertain HCA/HCC and 4/9 (44.4%) in the HCC groups (P = .031). Four B-catenin mutated HCA were identified using NGS, which were not yet identified by immunohistochemistry and expert revision. CONCLUSIONS: Expert revision with relevant immunohistochemistry may help the challenging but prognostically relevant distinction between HCA and well-differentiated HCC in male patients. NGS may be more important to subtype HCA than indicated in present guidelines.

A multicentre retrospective analysis on growth of residual hepatocellular adenoma after resection.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumour that may require resection in select cases. The aim of this study was to the assess growth of residual HCA in the remnant liver and to advise on an evidence-based management strategy. METHOD: This multicentre retrospective cohort study included all patients with HCA who underwent surgery of HCA and had residual HCA in the remnant liver. Growth was defined as an increase of >20% in transverse diameter (RECIST criteria). Data on patient and HCA characteristics, diagnostic work-up, treatment and follow-up were documented and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were included, one male. At diagnosis, median age was 38yrs (IQR 30.0-44.0) and median BMI was 29.9 kg/m2 (IQR 24.6-33.3). After resection, median number of residual sites of HCA was 3 (IQR 2-6). Follow-up of residual HCA showed regression in 24.6%, stable HCA in 61.9% and growth of at least one lesion in 11.2%. Three patients (2.2%) developed new HCA that were not visible on imaging prior to surgery. Four patients (3%, one male) underwent an intervention as growth was progressive. No statistically significant differences in clinical characteristics were found between patients with growing residual or new HCA versus those with stable or regressing residual HCA. CONCLUSION: In patients with multiple HCA who undergo resection, growth of residual HCA is not uncommon but interventions are rarely needed as most lesions stabilize and do not show progressive growth. Surveillance is indicated when residual HCA show growth after resection, enabling intervention in case of progressive growth.

New insights in the management of Hepatocellular Adenoma.

Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) are benign liver tumours that may be complicated by haemorrhage or malignant transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma. Epidemiological data are fairly outdated, but it is likely to assume that the incidence has increased over the past decades as HCA are more often incidentally found due to the more widespread use of imaging techniques and the increased incidence of obesity. Various molecular subgroups have been described. Each of these molecular subgroups are defined by specific gene mutations and pathway activations. Additionally, they are all related to specific risk factors and show a various biological behaviour. These molecular subgroups may be identified using immunohistochemistry and molecular characterization. Contrast-enhanced MRI is the recommended imaging modality to analyse patients with suspected hepatocellular adenoma allowing to determine the subtype in up to 80%. Surgical resection remains to be the golden standard in treating HCA, although resection is deemed unnecessary in a large number of cases, as studies have shown that the majority of HCA will regress over time without complications such as haemorrhage or malignant transformation occurring. It is preferable to treat patients with suspected HCA in high volume centres with combined expertise of liver surgeons, hepatologists, radiologists and (molecular) pathologists.

Synchronous Unicentric Castleman Disease and Inflammatory Hepatocellular Adenoma: a Case Report.

Systemic symptoms such as fever and fatigue are non-specific manifestations spanning from inflammation to neoplasia. Here we report the case of a 34 year-old man who presented with systemic symptoms for four months. CT-scan and MRI revealed a 3.4 cm arterialized hepatic lesion and a 7 cm paraduodenal mass. Surgical resection of both lesions and histological examination revealed an inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma and a unicentric plasma cell type of Castleman disease. Moreover, a diffuse AA amyloid deposition in the liver was observed. Resection of both lesions was associated with an improvement of the symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a synchronous presentation of a unicentric plasma cell type of Castleman disease, inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma and AA amyloidosis.

Immunohistochemical Staining on an Excision Biopsy Specimen as a Diagnostic Modality for Rare Idiopathic Hepatocellular Adenoma: A Case Report.

Hepatocellular adenoma is an extremely rare benign tumor of the liver which predominantly in young women. Its rare incidence with estimated 3-4 cases per 1.000.000 annually makes it a diagnostic challenge. Here we present a 30-year-old female patient with hepatocellular adenoma without classic risk factors. A series of work up tools have been performed in order to diagnose the condition. None but excision biopsy from segmental resection had been showed to increase diagnostic confidence. This case illustrates the role of immunohistochemical staining from excision biopsy as the best diagnostic modality of hepatocellular adenoma as well as therapeutic modality to prevent malignant transformation.

Regression of hepatocellular adenomas and systemic inflammatory syndrome after cessation of estrogen therapy.

We report a case of dramatic systemic inflammatory symptoms and biochemical signs of inflammation related to multiple hepatic adenomas that completely resolved after cessation of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and associated adenoma regression. This represents a case of dramatic symptoms that resolved after estrogen withdrawal alone. (Hepatology 2017;66:989-991).

Laparoscopic liver resection for hemorrhagic hepatocellular adenoma in a pregnant patient.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign neoplasm of the liver, however, with a potential for life-threatening hemorrhage. The unpredictable course during pregnancy poses a clinical dilemma in the pregnant patient. Intra-peritoneal rupture may lead to life-threatening situations with adverse outcome for mother and unborn child. A pre-emptive strategy with adequate treatment before pregnancy is strongly advised. However, the strategy for treating symptomatic HCA during pregnancy remains challenging as experience is limited. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old pregnant patient at the gestational age of 17 weeks presented with an acute episode of right upper abdomen pain. MR-imaging revealed a lesion of 9 cm located in segment III with stigmata of recent hemorrhage. At 18 weeks of gestation, she underwent a semi-elective laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy. RESULTS: Surgery and postoperative recovery were uneventful. Patient was discharged at POD +6. At 40 weeks of gestation, she went in spontaneous labor and delivered a healthy baby. Histological examination confirmed a HCA, inflammatory subtype, showing features of hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: In the pregnant patient, HCA represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Anatomically favorable located lesions can be safely managed with laparoscopic liver resection. We suggest that laparoscopic liver resection should be considered as part of the currently available strategies for HCA during pregnancy.

Retrospective study on timing of resection of hepatocellular adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign liver tumour that may be complicated by bleeding or malignant transformation. Present guidelines advise cessation of oral contraceptives and surgical resection if the lesion is still larger than 5 cm at 6 months after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether this 6-month interval is sufficient to expect regression of a large HCA to 5 cm or smaller. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients with an HCA larger than 5 cm diagnosed between 1999 and 2015 with follow-up of at least 6 months. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, clinical presentation, lesion characteristics, management and complications. Differences in characteristics were assessed between patients kept under surveillance and those who underwent treatment for an HCA larger than 5 cm. RESULTS: Some 194 patients were included, of whom 192 were women. Eighty-six patients were kept under surveillance and 108 underwent HCA treatment. Patients in the surveillance group had a significantly higher BMI (P = 0·029), smaller baseline HCA diameter (P < 0·001), more centrally located lesions (P < 0·001) and were more likely to have multiple lesions (P = 0·001) than those in the treatment group. There were no significant differences in sex, age at diagnosis, symptoms, complication rates and HCA subtype distribution. Time-to-event analysis in patients managed conservatively and those still undergoing treatment more than 6 months after diagnosis showed that 69 of 118 HCAs (58·5 per cent) regressed to 5 cm or smaller after a median of 104 (95 per cent c.i. 80-128) weeks. Larger HCAs took longer to regress (P < 0·001). No complications were documented during follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a 6-month cut-off point for assessment of regression of HCA larger than 5 cm to no more than 5 cm is too early. As no complications were documented during follow-up, the cut-off point in women with typical, non-ß-catenin-activated HCA could be prolonged to 12 months, irrespective of baseline diameter.

Malignant Transformation of Hepatocellular Adenoma.

The patient was a 20-year-old male in whom a hepatic hypervascular mass accompanied by intratumoral hemorrhage was detected on examination for epigastric pain. Based on the enlargement of the mass and diagnostic imaging, hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) was suspected and hepatectomy was performed. The lesion was diagnosed as malignant transformation of ß-catenin-activated HCA. There are only few reports of cases with malignant transformation of HCA in Japan; it is necessary to accumulate cases to investigate it.

Men with biopsy-confirmed hepatocellular adenoma have a high risk of progression to hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide population-based study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular adenoma is a benign liver tumour that may transform to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We used data from Danish nationwide healthcare registries to investigate the incidence and prognosis of hepatocellular adenoma. METHODS: We included all patients with a hospital discharge diagnosis for benign liver tumour (ICD-10: D13.4) in 1997-2012 and a liver biopsy confirming the hepatocellular adenoma diagnosis. Follow-up began 1 year after adenoma diagnosis, to minimise the possibility that the tumour was a misdiagnosed HCC. All patients were age- and gender-matched with 50 random controls from the Danish population. We followed patients and controls with respect to HCC development, adenoma resection, and death without HCC (ie, death without having been diagnosed with HCC) through 2013. HCC diagnoses were identified in the Danish Cancer Registry. RESULTS: We included 67 patients with hepatocellular adenoma, and 58 (87%) were women. The overall incidence rate of histologically verified hepatocellular adenoma in the Danish general population was 0.07 (95% CI: 0.06-0.09) per 100 000 population per year. Fifteen patients had their adenoma resected before follow-up began, leaving 52 patients for follow-up. Men with biopsy-confirmed hepatocellular adenoma had a 10-year cumulative HCC risk as high as 60.0% (95% CI: 15.3%-87.0%). All men who developed HCC were older than 50 years at adenoma diagnosis. By contrast, none of the 44 women in the follow-up analysis developed HCC. CONCLUSION: Histologically verified hepatocellular adenoma is rare in Denmark. It is a minor concern for women, but men have a very high risk of progression to HCC.

Should fat in the radiofrequency ablation zone of hepatocellular adenomas raise suspicion for residual tumour?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the significance of fat in the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) zone of hepatocellular adenomas (HCA), and its association with tumoral fat and hepatic steatosis. METHODS: The radiological archive was searched for patients with ablated HCAs and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging between January 2008 and June 2014. Age, sex, risk factors and duration of clinical and imaging follow-up were recorded. Pre-RFA imaging was assessed for tumour size, intra-tumoral fat and steatosis. Post-RFA imaging was reviewed for size, enhancement and intra-ablational fat. Intra-ablational fat was classified as peripheral, central or mixed; the association of these distributions with steatosis and tumoral fat was assessed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with 26 ablated HCAs were included. Fat was present in 23/26 (88 %) ablation zones. Only 1/26 (4 %) showed serial enlargement and enhancement suggestive of residual disease; the enhancing area did not contain fat. All remaining ablations showed involution and/or diminishing fat content without suspicious enhancement (mean follow-up, 27 months; range, 2-84 months). The peripheral and mixed/central patterns of intra-ablational fat were associated with steatosis (P = 0.0005) and tumoral fat (P = 0.0003), respectively. CONCLUSION: Fat in the ablation zone of HCAs is a common finding which, in isolation, does not indicate residual tumour. KEY POINTS: • Fat in the RFA zone of HCAs is a common finding on MRI. • The distribution of fat is associated with hepatic steatosis and intra-tumoral fat. • In isolation, intra-ablational fat of treated HCAs does not indicate residual tumour.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic vs. open liver resection for hepatocellular adenoma: a multicenter propensity score adjustment analysis by the AFC-HCA-2013 study group.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hepatocellular adenomas are, in selected cases, candidates for liver resection, which can be approached via laparoscopy or laparotomy. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the surgical approach on the postoperative morbidities of both minor and major liver resections. METHODS: In this multi-institutional study, all patients who underwent open or laparoscopic hepatectomies for hepatocellular adenomas between 1989 and 2013 in 27 European centers were retrospectively reviewed. A multiple imputation model was constructed to manage missing variables. Comparisons of both the overall rate and the types of complications between open and laparoscopic hepatectomy were performed after propensity score adjustment (via the standardized mortality ratio weighting method) on the factors that influenced the choice of the surgical approach. RESULTS: The laparoscopic approach was selected in 208 (38%) of the 533 included patients. There were 194 (93%) women. The median age was 38.9 years. After the application of multiple imputation, 208 patients who underwent laparoscopic operations were compared with 216 patients who underwent laparotomic operations. After adjustment, there were 20 (9.6%) major liver resections in the laparoscopy group and 17 (7.9%) in the open group. The conversion rate was 6.3%. The two surgical approaches exhibited similar postoperative morbidity rates and severities. Laparoscopic resection was associated with significantly less blood loss (93 vs. 196 ml, p < 0.001), a less frequent need for pedicle clamping (21 vs. 40%, p = 0.002), a reduced need for transfusion (8 vs. 24 red blood cells units, p < 0.001), and a shorter hospital stay (5 vs. 7 days, p < 0.001). The mortality was nil. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy can achieve short-term outcomes similar to those of open surgery for hepatocellular adenomas and has the additional benefits of a reduced blood loss, need for transfusion, and a shorter hospital stay.

Liver transplantation for adenomatosis: European experience.

The aim of this study was to collect data from patients who underwent liver transplantation (LT) for adenomatosis; to analyze the symptoms, the characteristics of the disease, and the recipient outcomes; and to better define the role of LT in this rare indication. This retrospective multicenter study, based on data from the European Liver Transplant Registry, encompassed patients who underwent LT for adenomatosis between January 1, 1986, and July 15, 2013, in Europe. Patients with glycogen storage disease (GSD) type IA were not excluded. This study included 49 patients. Sixteen patients had GSD, and 7 had liver vascular abnormalities. The main indications for transplantation were either a suspicion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; 15 patients) or a histologically proven HCC (16 patients), but only 17 had actual malignant transformation (MT) of adenomas. GSD status was similar for the 2 groups, except for age and the presence of HCC on explants (P = 0.030). Three patients with HCC on explant developed recurrence after transplantation. We obtained and studied the pathomolecular characteristics for 23 patients. In conclusion, LT should remain an extremely rare treatment for adenomatosis. Indications for transplantation primarily concern the MT of adenomas. The decision should rely on morphological data and histological evidence of MT. Additional indications should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. In this report, we propose a simplified approach to this decision-making process.

Microwave Ablation for the Treatment of Hepatic Adenomas.

Microwave (MW) ablation was used to treat 12 hepatocellular adenomas in six patients (five women and one man; mean age, 39.6 y). Mean treated tumor size was 2.7 cm ± 2.0. Tumor response was evaluated with serial cross-sectional imaging for a mean follow-up of 12.6 months ± 7.1. Primary treatment effectiveness and local tumor control were 100%. There were no instances of hemorrhage, malignant transformation, new hepatic tumors, or extrahepatic metastases. This early experience of treatment of hepatic adenomas by MW ablation demonstrates it to be a safe and feasible treatment modality at short-term follow-up. Continued investigation, including comparison with other treatment modalities, is warranted.

PET-avid hepatocellular adenomas: incidental findings associated with HNF1-α mutated lesions.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is the second most common benign liver neoplasm and occurs predominantly in women in their reproductive years. Positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is commonly used in cancer staging, surveillance and evaluation of treatment response. PET-avid HCA are rare and can be falsely interpreted as malignancies. METHODS: A retrospective review of four institutions' database was performed to identify the PET-avid HCAs with clinico-pathological correlation. RESULTS: Nine patients with histological proven PET-avid HCA was identified. Eight out of 9 patients were female with a median age at diagnosis of 44 years. All patients' tumors with available histological subtyping (8/8) were HNF1-α mutated and had no inflammatory changes; 6 out the 9 lesions had prominent (>50%) steatotic changes. CONCLUSION: Hepatocellular adenomas, specifically the HNF1-α subtype, can cause false-positive PET findings when seeking to identify malignancy. Concomitantly, PET-CT may have the potential to identify the HCA histopathologic variant with the lowest malignant and hemorrhagic potential.

European experience of 573 liver resections for hepatocellular adenoma: a cross-sectional study by the AFC-HCA-2013 study group.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a benign hepatic lesion that may be complicated by bleeding and malignant transformation. The aim of the present study is to report on large series of liver resections for HCA and assess the incidence of hemorrhage and malignant transformation. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study, from 27 European high-volume HPB units. RESULTS: 573 patients were analyzed. The female: male gender ratio was 8:2, mean age: 37 ± 10 years. Of the 84 (14%) patients whose initial presentation was hemorrhagic shock (Hemorrhagic HCAs), hemostatic intervention was urgently required in 25 (30%) patients. No patients died after intervention. Tumor size was >5 cm in 74% in hemorrhagic HCAs and 64% in non-hemorrhagic HCAs (p < 0.001). In non-hemorrhagic HCAs (n = 489), 5% presented with malignant transformation. Male status and tumor size >10 cm were the two predictive factors. Liver resections included major hepatectomy in 25% and a laparoscopic approach in 37% of the patients. In non-hemorrhagic HCAs, there was no mortality and major complications occurred in 9% of patients. DISCUSSION: Liver resection for HCA is safe. Presentation with hemorrhage was associated with larger tumor size. In males with a HCA >10 cm, a HCC should be suspected. In such situation, a preoperative biopsy is preferable and an oncological liver resection should be considered.

Long-term outcomes of resection in patients with symptomatic benign liver tumours.

BACKGROUND: Benign liver tumours (e.g., hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and haemangioma) are occasionally resected for alleged symptoms, although data on long-term outcomes is lacking. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess long-term outcomes of surgical intervention. METHODS: Forty patients with benign tumours (HCA 20, FNH 12, giant haemangioma 4, cysts 4) were included. Patients filled in Validated McGill Pain Questionnaires, preoperatively and after a median of 54 months after resection. Outcomes were evaluated using paired sample t-test and (M) ANOVA. RESULTS: Relief of symptoms sustained in 30/40 patients, within a follow-up of 54 (24-148) months after resection. VAS scores were reduced from 5.5 preoperatively to 1.6 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Patients with left-sided tumours had higher postoperative Pain Rating Index (PRI), compared to patients with right-sided tumours: 15.3 vs. 5.8 (p = 0.018). If patients could reconsider undergoing surgery, 34/38 would again choose resection. Discomfort at the operative scar was the most common complaint: 8/40 patients, all after open surgery, of whom 3/40 had an incisional hernia. 7/40 patients had a laparoscopic resection. CONCLUSION: Resection relieved symptoms in 30/40 patients. The operative scar was a frequent source for remaining postoperative complaints, suggesting an advantage for a laparoscopic approach when feasible.