A mass resected from the liver of a 32-year-old woman has the morphology demonstrated on the slide below. Which of the following is the most accurate statement concerning this patient's condition?

Question

A mass resected from the liver of a 32-year-old woman has the morphology demonstrated on the slide below.  Which of the following is the most accurate statement concerning this patient's condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ec160b_394a_d6a5_9249_7542ad0114b5_MD0001_00 Cavernous hemangioma is the most common benign liver tumor, typically presenting in adults 30-50 years of age. These benign tumors are thought to be congenital malformations that enlarge by ectasia, not hyperplasia or hypertrophy. Hemangiomas may occur singly or in multiples and are well-circumscribed masses of spongy consistency, typically measuring less than 5 cm in width. Microscopically, these tumors consist of cavernous, blood-filled vascular spaces of variable size lined by a single epithelial layer (arrow). Collagenous scars or fibrous nodules may be seen in association with thrombosis. Most patients are asymptomatic, although some will complain of abdominal pain and right upper quadrant fullness. Prognosis is usually excellent, with surgical resection an option for those patients who are symptomatic or who have compression of adjacent structures. (Choice A) On rare occasion, giant hemangiomas are found to be malignant vascular tumors. The vast majority of hemangiomas are benign lesions, however. (Choice C) Hepatic adenomas can regress with the discontinuation of oral contraceptives, but hemangiomas are not similarly affected. (Choice D) Hepatocellular carcinoma (not hemangioma) can be associated with hemochromatosis. (Choice E) Biopsy of a suspected hemangioma is not advisable, as the procedure has been known to cause fatal hemorrhage and is of low diagnostic yield. Educational objective: Cavernous hemangioma is the most common benign liver tumor. Microscopically, these tumors consist of cavernous, blood-filled vascular spaces of variable size lined by a single epithelial layer. The biopsy of a suspected hemangioma is not advisable, as the procedure has been known to cause fatal hemorrhage and is of low diagnostic yield.

A Mass Resected from the Liver of a 32-Year-Old Woman