Hepatic tissue may be found outside the liver as heterotopias.
Locations include:
(1) gallbladder
(2) lung
(3) stomach
(4) heart (right atrium)
(5) pancreas
(6) kidney
(7) diaphragm
(8) umbilical cord or placenta
(9) pericardium
(10) esophagus
A biopsy of the mass shows liver parenchyma, which may be normal or which may share pathologic change with the liver itself.
Significance:
(1) misdiagnosis as tumor
(2) site for development of hepatic tumors
(3) pressure effect (obstruction, other)
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Specialty: Gastroenterology, Surgery, general
