BACKGROUND: Biliary cystadenocarcinoma as a very rare hepatic neoplasm may be difficult to distinguish from simple hepatic cysts, especially in the unilocular form. Although diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma during open hepatic surgery demands a complete surgical resection, few reports described the correct approach to such lesions revealed by laparoscopic approach. Five cases of incidental cystadenocarcinoma after laparoscopic surgery for hepatic cystic lesions were presented with discussion of diagnostic and management implications.
METHODS: Clinical records of 5 patients who had undergone operation and histological examination at our hospital from 1993 to 2002 were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS: In all patients who received liver lobectomy, primary hepatic cystadenocarcinoma was diagnosed. Primary biliary cystic neoplasm was difficult to diagnose and the management of both benign and malignant tumors was similar in the 5 patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Cystadenocarcinoma is often difficult to diagnose because its clinical manifestations are similar to those of hepatic cysts and other cystic lesions. Imagining examination is helpful in evaluating the disease. Complete excision of cystadenocarcinoma with a wide margin is the best treatment.