[Hepatic adenoma and oral contraception].

The authors report 2 new cases of adenoma of the liver in women who had been taking oral contraceptives. They review the world literature and analyse 18 of the 31 cases so far described. They consider the theoretical and practical problems posed by liver adenomata. As far as the theory goes, they think that uninterrupted taking of the pill for several years may cause the liver to become hyperactive in order to neutralise the excessive and permanent oestro-progesterone hormones brought to it. Following this, the liver gland responds with hypertrophy. As far as the practical aspect goes, the clinician is faced with the problem of supervision and clinical examination of the abdomen of women who take the pill for a ling time. Gynaecologist and the general surgeon have to know that there are complications with this tumour and in particular acute intraperitoneal bleeding.