Causes And Risks Of Hepatic Adenoma

A hepatic adenoma is a benign tumor of the liver. This type of tumor is incredibly rare, occurring in only 0.004 percent of the population that presents with risk factors linked to the condition. The inflammatory type is the most prevalent of the four types of hepatic adenoma, diagnosed in forty to fifty percent of individuals who have the tumor. The adenomas can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as abdominal pain and nausea, though many people do not notice any indications of the tumors until they rupture. While these adenomas are rarely cancerous and are not inherently dangerous, a ruptured tumor can cause complications and even fatality if undiagnosed and untreated. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risk factors associated with the development of hepatic adenomas in order to stay on top of treatment. The use of oral contraceptives is the most widely attributed risk factor for these tumors, though several other medical conditions are also associated with an increased risk of developing a hepatic adenoma.

Hemochromatosis

Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition that can impact the health of the liver. This metabolic disorder causes the body to absorb an excess amount of iron from food. The typical amount of iron absorbed from a person's daily diet is approximately eight to ten percent. Individuals diagnosed with this disease can absorb as much as forty percent of the iron in foods they consume, and also struggle to rid the iron from their bodies. If untreated, high iron levels can cause disease and damage to the joints and internal organs. In addition to causing serious neurodegenerative, endocrine, and heart diseases, elevated levels of iron can also lead to disorders of the liver. While symptoms of hemochromatosis are often not identified in women until after menopause, the elevated levels of iron can lead to a hepatic adenoma, which typically forms and is diagnosed during childbearing years. Therefore, it is important to be aware of family history and any symptoms of excess iron throughout adulthood.

Keep reading to find out another shocking risk factor of hepatic adenoma.