Liver cell adenoma

It is an uncommon benign tumor, usually occurring in women under the age of 30 who have a history of use of oral contraceptives. Histologically, they are only composed of hepatocytes.

Cytologic diagnostic features

• Predominance of hepatocytes
• Mild nuclear atypia
• Abundant cytoplasm
• Normal N/C ratio

Differential diagnosis

• Normal liver
• Focal nodular hyperplasia
• Regenerating nodules in cirrhosis
• Hepatocellular carcinoma

It has been suggested that the absence of bile duct epithelium supports a diagnosis of hepatic adenoma excluding focal nodular hyperplasia. The cells of hepatocellular carcinoma have a higher N/C ratio and more nuclear atypia.