Quick Summary

Focal nodule hyperplasia:

• Is a common type of benign tumour.
• Is not a type of cancer and very rarely causes any problems.
• It is more common in women and in people with some other medical conditions.
• It is very rare to need any treatment for focal nodule hyperplasia.
• The safest option is usually to just leave it alone.

Find out more about focal nodule hyperplasia using the links below.

What causes focal nodule hyperplasia?

The exact cause of focal nodule hyperplasia is not fully understood. It is thought that a problem with the shape of an artery in the liver causes a group of nearby liver cells to get bigger than it should. This group of cells forms the tumour. In some cases, the artery problem is caused by another medical condition.

In nearly all cases the size of the tumour will stay the same over time. They are usually quite small. People often only know they are there when it is found by accident during a scan for something else.

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What are the symptoms of focal nodule hyperplasia?

Most people will not have any symptoms of focal nodule hyperplasia

If focal nodule hyperplasia relates to Budd-Chiari syndrome, it can raise the risk of Budd-Chiari symptoms . 

In rare cases, if the focal nodule hyperplasia is very large, it might cause symptoms. The most common are:

• tummy pain
• Feeling very full, or bloated

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Tests for focal nodule hyperplasia

Focal nodule hyperplasia is almost always harmless. But it can look like other conditions, including a different type of benign tumour called hepatocellular adenoma. This needs more monitoring. So it is important to get a clear diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Tests usually include an MRI scan. This uses strong magnets to build up a picture of the soft parts of the body. It is very good at looking for problems in the liver. It does not hurt and should take about half an hour. Find out more about having an MRI scan. 

A special type of ultrasound scan called a contrast enhanced ultrasound or CEUS might also be offered.  This is like a normal ultrasound scan but with a small injection. The injection will contain lots of very tiny bubbles. After the injection, the person getting the scan will lie still for about 5 minutes. This allows the bubbles to move around the body. Then the ultrasound scan is done.

Find out more about having an ultrasound scan.

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Treatment for focal nodule adenoma

If the doctors are sure that the tumour is focal nodule hyperplasia, and it is not causing any problems then it will not need treatment.

If the doctor isn’t sure about the diagnosis, they may suggest another scan in 3 to 6 months. If there are symptoms, you or your child should see a specialist to discuss your options. These might include surgery to remove the focal nodule hyperplasia.

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Living with focal nodule hyperplasia

Most people with focal nodule hyperplasia will be able to carry on with life as normal.

The most important thing is to make sure that the diagnosis is clear.

Ask the doctor:

• How confident are you that this is a focal nodule hyperplasia?
• Should any more tests be done to be sure?
• Is there anything I should look out for or tell a doctor about?

Diet and supplements

There is no evidence that a special diet or avoiding certain foods helps with focal nodule hyperplasia. Eating a healthy, balanced diet , and not drinking alcohol or sticking under the limits  will help to keep the liver healthy. No supplements or complementary or alternative medicines have been shown to help with focal nodule hyperplasia.

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