title: Benign hepatic nodular lesions after treatment for childhood cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Benign nodular hepatic regenerating lesions such as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) have been reported as rare complications of the antineoplastic therapy received during infancy. Little is known about the risk factors associated with the onset of these lesions and their diagnostic management.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have analyzed a series of benign hepatic nodular lesions occurring in children previously treated for malignant tumors in our institution in a period of 11 years. An extensive description of the imaging presentation of the lesions has been provided to facilitate the differential diagnosis, and a risk factor analysis has been conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 14 diagnoses (10 FNH and 4 hemangiomas) of benign nodular hepatic lesions have been found. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the most important statistically independent risk factor associated with the development of these lesions, especially for FNH. No malignant transformation of nodules has been recorded during a median follow-up time of 4 years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In our experience, FNH is the most frequent benign nodular hepatic lesions occurring after treatment for childhood cancer. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the most important risk factor to be taken in account. After a secure diagnosis of these benign lesions, only a close imaging follow-up is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Paediatric Oncology and Haematology Unit Lalla Seràgnoli, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. riccardo.masetti@gmail.com
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Masetti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Colecchia
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rondelli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martoni
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vendemini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Biagi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Prete
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Festi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pession
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D020518:Focal Nodular Hyperplasia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult