[Macronodules, dysplastic nodules and cirrhosis]

Abstract

For a few years, many descriptions and studies have been published regarding precancerous nodular liver lesions. As a result, several terms and classifications have been proposed leading to poor reproducibility. In 1995, an International Working Party defined nodular lesions called low grade and high grade dysplastic nodules. A good correlation between clinical, radiological and pathological lesions was then obtained. This article summarizes the histopronostic features of the nodules observed in cirrhotic liver, and attempts to specify the diagnostic criteria to distinguish dysplastic from regenerative macronodules and hepatocellular carcinomas.