The liver cell adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the liver that is induced by the hormone. The risk of developing liver cell adenoma is based on the age of the individual taking contraceptive pills, the dosage and the duration. The adenomas tend to degenerate when individuals stop taking the hormone replacement medications. In most cases, the adenoma is solitary but when they occur in multiples, it is known as hepatic adenomatosis. The large forms of a benign tumor can also rupture causing internal bleeding and it is estimated that less than 10% of these cases can progress to become liver cancer.
Symptoms
The liver adenoma usually does not present any symptoms which may only develop when the lesions rupture. This requires treatment or can progress to develop serious complications. However, an indication of hepatic adenoma includes pain in the upper-right part of the abdomen. An advanced form of complications with the liver such as cancer can create weight loss, jaundice, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal problems and fatigue.
Causes
The liver cell adenoma cases are associated with the widespread use of estrogen-based oral contraceptive pills, hormone replacement therapy and in some cases it is related to pregnancy. Generally, most cases are often identified when assessed for other conditions and these people don’t present any liver symptoms. Individuals affected with glycogen storage disease type 1 (when the glycogen cannot be broken down) are also potentially at the risk of developing hepatic adenomatosis.
Diagnosis
It is important to identify hepatic adenoma from other types of a benign tumor as this has the potential to develop into a cancerous tumor. An MRI or a CT scan can detect and diagnose the liver cell adenoma. A biopsy is a reliable method of diagnosing this tumor.
Treatment
In the case of a patient identified with liver cell adenoma, the estrogen-containing hormone contraceptive pills or replacement therapy must be stopped. This usually results in the tumors shrinking on their own, however, there is a risk of the tumor being transformed into a liver cancer later in life. It is also essential that individuals with liver adenomas continue a healthy dietary habit and to avoid consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates. Some of the supplements that can support the healthy function of the liver include vitamin K2, vitamin D3, iodine and selenium.
Surgical intervention to remove the tumor is often performed in order to reduce the risk of cancerous transformation and the risk of bleeding.
References
https://www.liverdoctor.com/liver-problems/adenomas-of-the-liver/
http://liverandpancreassurgeon.com/know-your-liver-understanding-hepatic-adenomas/
