Tumours and tumour-like lesions of the hepatic parenchyma

There is an increasing understanding of the aetiology, molecular pathogenesis and pathology of tumours and tumour-like lesions of hepatocytes; this is due in part to advances in radiology, the examination of resected and explanted liver tissue, and modern techniques in molecular biology. The migration of populations from regions that are endemic for hepatitis B and the rising incidence of hepatitis C in the West entail an increase in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma as well as putative preneoplastic lesions. Terminology related to many of these lesions has changed in recent years, as has the importance of surveillance and prognosis. The purpose of this review is to highlight these concepts while reviewing the various pathological features that are of importance to the practicing pathologist.