An Enhancing Review of Focal Liver Lesions

Liver lesions are commonly encountered in our current practice of medicine. Focal liver lesions encompass the cystic and solid lesions that providers may encounter. Lesions vary greatly. Most encountered lesions are benign. These include common lesions like the hemangioma, simple cyst, and focal nodular hyperplasia, or the rarer hepatic adenoma. If uncomplicated, these lesions rarely need intervention. Malignant lesions are also encountered. These nefarious lesions include hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Though less common than benign lesions, these malignant lesions are still frequently identified in clinical practice. Given the plethora of liver lesions and the various methods for evaluation, it is prudent for primary care providers and specialists alike to be familiar with this topic. This review aims to highlight salient information regarding characteristics focal liver lesions and modalities for evaluation.