A sonogram shows a complex hepatic mass. What does this most likely indicate?

The presence of a complex hepatic mass in a sonogram often raises concerns about malignancy. Complex masses typically exhibit both cystic and solid components, which can be indicative of neoplastic processes. In the liver, such findings often require further investigation to rule out the possibility of hepatocellular carcinoma or other types of liver malignancies.

While benign tumors and congenital anomalies can present as hepatic masses, they are less commonly associated with the complex characteristics observed in sonography. Infections may also result in liver masses, such as abscesses, but these typically present more uniformly and are generally more straightforward in their appearance compared to tumors. Therefore, when a complex hepatic mass is visualized, malignancy is a primary consideration that warrants thorough evaluation.