Hepatic angiomyolipoma: a case report with diagnostic challenge.

Angiomyolipomas are rare benign tumors derived from perivascular epithelioid cells that occur frequently in kidney and rarely in the liver. We present a case of hepatic angiomyolipoma, with various clinical and radiological differential diagnoses. A 34-year-old male was found to have a palpable mass on the left side of the abdomen. Imaging showed heterogeneously enhancing mass lesion 15 cm Χ 7 cm, in the left lobe and segment 4 of the liver. Various benign and malignant diagnoses were entertained. The needle biopsy did not reveal any evidence of malignancy. Patient underwent resection of the lesion in view of the large size, which was diagnosed as angiomyolipoma. Angiomyolipoma is a benign tumor and accurate diagnosis is important to prevent overtreatment. Histology and immunohistochemistry may help in clinching the diagnosis, in proper clinical setting.