Can birth control cause focal nodular hyperplasia?
Since the 1970s, there has been controversy over the effect of oral contraceptive pills (OCP) on the natural history of FNH. Histologically, FNH in patients who use contraceptives tends to have greater vascular alterations, fibrosis, peliosis, and size (6).
Can birth control cause liver lesions?
Taking birth control pills is associated with an increase in benign liver tumors. These tumors rarely become malignant (cancerous). Some research has suggested that women who take birth control for more than five years are at a higher risk of developing malignant tumors, also called hepatocellular carcinoma.
Can focal nodular hyperplasia disappear?
With the increasing use and improvement of diagnostic imaging, FNH is being observed more often. It has been shown, using radiological approaches, that most FNH remain stable, or even regress, over a long follow-up period. In addition, it is extremely rare that FNH were discovered in elderly.
How is focal nodular hyperplasia treated?
Surgery to treat focal nodular hyperplasia If the FNH is large, surgeons may remove the tumor. In partial hepatectomy surgery, or resection, surgeons extract the tumor and a small part of the tissue around it.
What is a focal nodule?
Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a benign liver lesion that is composed of a proliferation of hyperplastic hepatocytes surrounding a central stellate scar. Typically, FNH is a solitary lesion that is more commonly seen in women.
Can contraceptives cause tumors?
Naturally occurring estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development and growth of some cancers (e.g., cancers that express receptors for these hormones, such as breast cancer). Because birth control pills contain synthetic versions of these female hormones, they could potentially also increase cancer risk.
Can FNH grow?
Conclusion: This study confirms that FNH may grow significantly without causing symptoms. A significant increase in size should not have any implications on clinical management if confident diagnosis by imaging has been established by a tertiary benign liver multidisciplinary team.
Is FNH liver disease?
FNH is a nontumorous benign nodular disease of the liver and the second most common benign tumor in the liver (7,9-11). Although the disease is not limited by age and sex, it is more common in women aged 20–30 years. Most FNH patients have no clinical symptoms and are diagnosed by imaging and physical examination.
Can FNH cause symptoms?
Clinically, FNH are asymptomatic in 80%–90% of cases, which are generally incidental findings. Symptoms are characterized by abdominal pain of varying intensity, depending on the size and situation of the lesion.
How are oral contraceptives and focal nodular hyperplasia related?
Oral contraceptive (OC) use has been conclusively linked to both development and complications of hepatocellular adenomas, but their influence on FNH is controversial. Management of focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular adenoma in young women: a series of 41 patients with clinical, radiological, and pathological correlations.
What does focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver mean?
FNH (focal nodular hyperplasia), MR (magnetic resonance), OC (oral contraceptive) Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver is a benign lesion that probably reflects a local hyperplastic response of hepatocytes to a vascular abnormality.x1On the pathogenesis of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver.
Is there a relation between oral contraceptives and FNH?
The features of focal nodular hyperplasia and its possible relation to oral contraceptive use is discussed. PIP: The controversy concerning the possible relation of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) of the liver to oral contraceptives (OCs) continues.
Can a liver tumor be caused by oral contraceptives?
A variety of benign liver tumors associated with the use of oral contraceptives has been described. However, there is controversy regarding the possible relation of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver to oral contraceptive therapy.