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Hepatic Adenomatosis

Adenomatosis is a condition characterized by rapid pathologic cell growth or tumor development in the pituitary, adrenal or thyroid glands. In the liver, it appears as a benign, fleshy tumor. Hepatic adenomatosis occurs when there are more than ten adenomas. More common to women aged 30 to 40, the disease is rare and the cause remains unknown. Hepatic adenomas are linked to the use of oral contraceptives beyond five years, glycogen storage disease (GSD), long-term steroid use and diabetes mellitus but can occur without these associations. These tumors can evolve into malignancies, and are prone to bleeding and rupture, warranting surgical removal.

Clinical presentation includes abdominal or mid-back (subscapularis) pain or tenderness, and liver enlargement. In women, symptoms may worsen with menses, or immediately following. Some adenomas burst at pregnancy or within six weeks of delivery.