Natural history of focal nodular hyperplasia. A retrospective study of 44 cases

AIM: To evaluate the natural course of focal nodular hyperplasia according to hormonal status. METHODS: Forty-four patients were included in this retrospective study. Tumor size was assessed with ultrasound examination. We studied the influence of hormone status on the course of the disease. RESULTS: All patients were women, the median age at diagnosis was 35 years and the median follow-up was 45 months. Ten patients were symptomatic at diagnosis, while none were symptomatic at the end of follow-up. The median size of the lesions was 56 mm. No complications occurred. The size of the tumor remained stable in 19 patients, increased in 12 and decreased in 13. Twenty-one of 37 patients stopped taking oral contraceptives at diagnosis: the lesion remained stable in 11 patients, increased in 3 and decreased in 7. Two patients didn't stop taking oral contraceptives: the lesion increased in one, decreased in the other. Six patients became pregnant and 6 patients went into menopause during follow-up: the lesion remained stable in 3 and 4 patients respectively. CONCLUSION: Focal nodular hyperplasia is a benign lesion. Tumor size remained stable in most cases. It seems that the hormonal status has little or no influence on the course of the disease.