title: Focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatic regenerating nodules in pediatric oncology patients: how much invasive approach is necessary?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatic regenerating nodules (HRN) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) are benign regenerating lesions of the liver that rarely occur in children. An increased incidence of these lesions is reported in children treated for cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight children who developed FNH and HRN after treatment for malignancies in the Oncology unit at the "Bambino Gesù" Pediatric Hospital in Rome, were retrospectively analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The lesions, considered in the differential diagnosis with metastatic relapse of the primitive disease, have been monitored with US or other available imaging techniques. Evolution of the lesions was observed in only 1 patient three years after the initial diagnosis of FNH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion serial monitoring with imaging techniques is sufficient to rule out liver metastasis and to monitor the evolution of the lesions. Surgery is suggested only in the case of complications.
authors: Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS, Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy. mdebora.depasquale@opbg.net
authors: Maria Debora
authors: MD
authors: De Pasquale
authors: Lidia
authors: L
authors: Monti
authors: Maria Luisa
authors: ML
authors: D'Andrea
authors: Maria Antonietta
authors: MA
authors: De Ioris
authors: Aurora
authors: A
authors: Castellano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D020518:Focal Nodular Hyperplasia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D008115:Liver Regeneration; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012384:Rome; D017741:Survivors; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents