Abstract

PIP: Since the introduction of hormonal contraception many studies have been published on the role of oral contraceptives (OCs) in causing liver neoplasms. The tumor registers established in the US, England, and France allow researchers to study the incidence of such tumors, and to better evaluate the population at risk. The most frequent types of benign hepatic tumors are adenomas, hepatocellular adenoma or biliary duct adenoma, and focal nodular hyperplasia. Although morphologically very different, such tumors have been called with a varied and confusing terminology. Liver tumors are usually discovered by chance during laparotomy, and are more numerous in women aged 20-40. Radiography, scintigram and echography and very helpful in diagnosis, but arteriography is still the best diagnostic tool. Therapy consists of simple resection or of lobectomy, when possible. Many authors, however, insist on their sponteneous regression after OC termination, if OCs are the cause. According to the most recent studies OC-caused liver tumors happen more often in patients who have taken mestranol for over 4 years; liver tumors are also more common in multiparous women and may grow very quickly during pregnancy. In recent years the association between liver tumors, benign or malignant, and treatment with androgens has often been documented. This document presents the case of a 26 year old patient hospitalized for pain and for the presence of a large abdominal mass. The patient suffered severe dysmenorrhea and serious menstruation disorders. The patient had never taken OCs but had been treated for a long time with aspirin for headache and with diazepam for a nervous breakdown during adolescence, and more recently during pregnancy. The patient underwent surgery, and a large focal nodular hyperplastic tumor was excised.