Focal Nodular Hyperplasia
Full Form of FNH
What is FNH?
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) is a common, benign (non-cancerous) lesion of the liver, often discovered incidentally during abdominal imaging such as ultrasound or CT scans. It is characterized by a central stellate scar and represents a hyperplastic response of hepatocytes to a congenital vascular malformation. FNH is more frequently seen in women of reproductive age and is generally asymptomatic, though in rare cases large lesions may cause discomfort or pain. In India, FNH is a commonly encountered finding in radiology reports, especially with the increased use of ultrasound for routine health check-ups and liver evaluations. The condition is typically managed conservatively without intervention, as it has no malignant potential and rarely leads to complications. However, differentiating FNH from other liver lesions like hepatic adenoma or hemangioma is crucial, which often requires advanced imaging like contrast-enhanced MRI. For medical students and radiology residents, understanding the typical imaging features of FNH—such as the ‘spoke-wheel’ pattern on arterial phase CT—is important for board examinations and clinical practice. The condition also highlights the significance of liver imaging in non-invasive diagnosis.
FNH का फुल फॉर्म
फोकल नोड्युलर हाइपरप्लासिया
Example
The radiologist noted a 2.5 cm FNH in segment VIII of the liver during a routine abdominal ultrasound for a 35-year-old female patient.