[Primary malignant tumour of the liver associated with the ingestion of oral contraceptives (author's transl)].

A 42-year-old woman, who had been taking oral contraceptives for 10 years, developed a primary carcinoma of the liver. The diagnosis was made by biopsy under laparoscopic control. Twenty one cases have already been reported in the literature. The aetiological role of contraceptives in the development of generally benign (approximately 200 published cases) and sometime malignant hepatic lesions, has not been definitely proven. The regression of certain benign tumours when contraceptives are stopped is the essential argument. In some patients, the association of benign lesions and of hepatic carcinoma suggests a single pathogenesis. The early recognition of such lesions justifies their being sought routinely in patients taking oral contraceptives (palpation of the liver, questioning concerning pain in the hepatic region). A national register will be required in order to determine their exact prevalence.