Hepatocellular adenoma: what we know, what we do not know, and why it matters

In the last two decades there has been significant progress in research on and diagnosis of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), resulting in the establishment of a molecular and immunohistological HCA classification. This review aims to fine-tune the current expertise in order to enhance the histopathological diagnostic possibilities, by refining issues that are already known, addressing diagnostic difficulties, and identifying still unknown aspects of HCA. We discuss novel methods to identify HCA subtypes, in particular the sonic hedgehog HCAs and the interpretation of glutamine synthetase patterns for the recognition of beta-catenin-mutated HCAs. The major complications of HCAs, i.e. bleeding and malignant transformation, are considered, including the dilemmas of atypical and borderline lesions. HCAs in different clinical and geographical settings, e.g. pregnancy, cirrhosis and non-western countries, are also discussed. The natural history of the different HCA subtypes in relation to age, sex and risk factors is a feature that is still insufficiently investigated. This is also true for the risks of clinical bleeding and malignant transformation in association with HCA subtypes. As HCA is a relatively rare tumour, a multicentre and multidisciplinary approach across geographical boundaries will be the appropriate method to establish prospective programmes with which to identify, classify and manage HCAs, focusing on several aspects, e.g. aetiology, underlying liver disease, complications, regression, and growth. Updating what we know and identifying and addressing what we do not know matters for optimal patient management.