What can hepatic adenomas potentially lead to if left untreated?

Hepatic adenomas are benign tumors of the liver that, while often asymptomatic and generally considered non-cancerous, possess the potential for malignant transformation if left untreated. This transformation into hepatocellular carcinoma, a form of liver cancer, can occur particularly in cases where the adenomas become large or in patients who have certain risk factors, such as those who are on oral contraceptive pills or have underlying liver disease.

The risk of malignant transformation is an important consideration in the management of hepatic adenomas. Monitoring these lesions is crucial, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be recommended to prevent the possibility of developing cancer. Other options, such as complete liver failure, liver regeneration, or fatty liver disease, do not directly arise from hepatocellular adenomas themselves. While severe liver disease can lead to liver failure, it is not a direct consequence of untreated benign tumors like hepatic adenomas. Similarly, liver regeneration and fatty liver disease are distinct processes with different etiologies and do not pertain to the potential risks associated with hepatic adenomas.