Liver cell adenoma is a type of benign tumour that develops on the liver. Many people with liver adenomas are unaware of the condition due to a lack of symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often include nausea, discomfort, and a sensation of fullness.
Liver cell adenoma can affect virtually anyone, but some people have a higher risk than others. The following are a few of the risk factors that contribute to this uncommon liver condition.
Use of oestrogen-based contraception is the most common risk factor associated with liver cell adenomas, with higher doses and longer treatment durations increasing the risk even further. Similarly, pregnancy also increases the risk of liver adenomas due to its impact on hormonal output.
Other risk factors can also lead to the development of liver cell adenomas, albeit at a much lower rate than the above factors. Less common risk factors include:
This medical condition is not likely to cause serious health problems, but it is best to visit a doctor if you experience related symptoms, as they can rule out more serious conditions like liver cancer.
Smaller adenomas, meaning those that are less than two inches in length, do not usually require treatment. Instead, your doctor may recommend monitoring the non-cancerous growth to see if it grows larger.
Larger tumours carry a risk of rupture, which can be life-threatening in rare cases. As a result, your physician may recommend removing the benign tumour to avoid more serious complications. Fortunately, this condition is extremely rare, and when it does occur, treatment is most often successful.