[Liver tumors caused by androgenic steroids]

Abstract

11 hepatocellular tumours associated with the long term use of androgenic steroids were reported. Three of the tumours were seen on the basis of diffuse peliosis hepatis. One of the 11 tumours was benign hepatocellular adenoma. In one case malignant transformation of an adenoma was observed. Nine tumours proved to be highly differentiated hepatocellular carcinomas. Metastases were observed in three cases. Histological and electron microscopical peculiarities of the tumours were the accumulation of glycogen in the cytoplasm of tumour cells, nuclear inclusions, and great number of peculiar formed vessels. The last case is a rarity. One year after the needle biopsy implantation of hepatocellular carcinoma was observed with several tumorous metastases at the site of the previous biopsy. The authors suggest regular hepatic control by ultrasound examinations of patients on sexual steroid hormones.