Biliary Cystadenoma of the Liver: Case report and systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Biliary cystadenoma is a very rare cystic neoplasm of the liver that usually occurs in middle-aged women. This tumour is insidiously progressive; it can not be safely differentiated from cystadenocarcinomas before operation and should always be considered for resection. The exact etiology of these tumors is unknown, but several theories have been proposed. Historically these cystic tumors have been treated by a variety of techniques including aspiration, fenestration, internal drainage, partial resection. Previously reported series have confirmed a greater than 90% recurrence rate with anything less than complete excision. In addition biliary cystadenoma is a premalignant lesion and only surgical excision can differentiate it from its malignant counterpart, biliary cystadenocarcinoma. A case of benign biliary cystadenoma with mesenchymal stroma is presented. This tumor was associated with elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) which returned to normal 10 days after surgical enucleation.