Investigation and management of hepatic incidentalomas

Abstract

With the widespread use of medical imaging has come the detection of incidental liver lesions that are, by and large, asymptomatic prior to their discovery. These lesions may become a source of anxiety and often require further investigation to reassure the patient of their usually benign nature. Use of contemporary hepatobiliary imaging and simple laboratory tests often allow a definite diagnosis to be made without resorting to exhaustive investigation or inappropriate surgery. The goal of this paper is to review the clinical features and imaging characteristics of common and important liver incidentalomas, their natural course, complications, and indications for surgical or other intervention.