Benign liver cell tumors.Classification and ultrastructural pathology

Abstract

The pathologic features of 15 benign liver cell tumors have been reviewed. Distinctive gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural features serve to distinguish two pathologic entities—liver cell adenoma and hepatic hamartoma. Both conditions are benign tumors and must be differentiated from primary liver cell carcinoma. Much confusion exists in the terminology applied to these lesions. It is proposed that the term hepatic hamartoma be used for that common focal nodular malformation of the liver that is composed of hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, and that the term liver cell adenoma be reserved for those benign neoplasms composed solely of well-differentiated hepatocytes.