Hepatomas in young women on oral contraceptives: Report of two cases and review of the literature

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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in two women who had ingested oral contraceptives for prolonged duration. One of the patients had hepatoma restricted to the liver, and it was successfully resected. The other patient presented with metastatic HCC to the sacrum and lung, and she died after an initial response to chemotherapy in 12 months. Review of literature showed 23 previously reported cases of HCC associated with “pill” use since 1973. Although the reported instances of HCC in pill users are few in number, the majority of affected females were in their 20s and early 30s, without any preexisting liver disease. Even though the risk of developing HCC on oral contraceptives is low, this association adds to the list of complications induced by oral contraceptives in premenopausal women. Two cases are reported and literature reviewed.