Calcified Liver Lesions

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Calcified Liver Lesions

Calcification in hepatic lesions is nonspecific and can be seen in a wide range of infectious lesions and primary and metastatic tumors. In certain cases, the presence of calcification is helpful in narrowing the differential diagnosis. For example, in a liver lesion with a central scar, the presence of calcification suggests fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma rather than focal nodular hyperplasia.

Features of Specific Tumors with Calcification

Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma has a reported incidence of calcification as high as 68%.1 The calcification(s) are usually small and located centrally in the fibrous scar.

Hemangioma

Calcification in hemangiomas can appear as multiple spotty calcifications (phleboliths) or large, usually central, areas of calcification.²

Cholangiocarcinoma

Calcification can be seen secondary to mucous secretions. Calcification is more common in cholangiocarcinoma than in untreated hepatocellular carcinoma.³