Focal Nodular Hyperplasia and Hepatocellular Adenoma around the World Viewed through the Scope of the Immunopathological Classification

Box 3

Reasons to classify hepatocellular nodules using IHC methods.

Clinical research

To investigate the natural history of subtypes (relevant for the follow-up)

To identify MODY patients (genetic counseling)

To convince patients with IHCA in the context of overweight/obesity/metabolic syndrome to be medically followed

To discover nodules with a high risk of malignancy

To find correlation between etiology and subtype

To retrospectively correct diagnostic errors (FNH versus HCA; in cirrhosis FNH versus MRN/FNH-like)

Translational research

Correlation between IHC markers and mutations

New IHC markers to identify new mutations

Research tool

Identification of new mutations (UHCA)

Prognostic factors among patients at risk for malignant transformation according to subtypes

Use the terms of the IHC classification to avoid misnomers (telangiectatic HCA, steatotic HCA, mixed form FNH/HCA, etc.)