Recurrent abdominal pain caused by nodular focal hyperplasia of the liver. A case report

A case of focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in childhood (FNH or NRC) is reported; a conservative approach is usually preferred in this disease when the diagnosis is surely identified, and a follow-up for some years is recommended. Despite the increased accuracy of modern imaging methods none of them, singly or together, is able to differentiate a malignant lesion with certainty and histological confirmation is mandatory. In the case described a laparotomy frozen section was performed but it was not possible to make a diagnosis and the liver mass was removed. The patient had a complete relief of symptoms with no evidence of recurrence in the follow-up. A review of the literature has been made, trying to point out this disease and its treatment.