Which of the following best describes the sonographic findings of a hepatic mass?

The term "complex hepatic mass" accurately describes a mass that exhibits varied echogenicity and characteristics upon ultrasound examination. In sonography, a complex mass may contain both solid and cystic components, leading to a diverse appearance on the imaging. This can include areas of higher and lower echogenicity, indicating the presence of different types of tissues or fluid within the mass.

The presence of these varying features can suggest distinct pathological processes, such as the presence of a tumor with necrotic areas or a mass containing both solid and fluid components, which is commonly seen in conditions such as abscesses or certain types of benign tumors.

Other options do not encapsulate the varied nature of such a mass. A diffuse hepatic mass typically suggests a more generalized involvement of the liver rather than a distinct mass. A hyperechoic hepatic mass would indicate it is brighter than the surrounding liver tissue, which may not always reflect the complexity of any underlying pathology. Finally, a homogeneous hepatic mass suggests a uniform echogenicity, which could be observed in simpler lesions but fails to describe the more intricate presentations possible in hepatic masses.