Neha JASSI, DEEPIKA, Dona JOSEPH
International Journal of Health Services Research and Policy - 2026;11(2):123-132
Aim: The liver is a vital organ that plays a central role in metabolism, detoxification, and biosynthesis, susceptible to a wide range of pathological insults. Hepatic lesions represent a diverse spectrum of disorders, encompassing inflammatory, metabolic, benign, and malignant conditions. The global burden of liver disease continues to rise, largely driven by chronic alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, and the increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the histopathological spectrum of hepatic lesions encountered in a tertiary care hospital and to analyze their correlation with demographic trends in northern Karnataka region. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, KMCRI, Hubballi, over a period of one year, comprising of 42 liver specimens, including wedge resections and biopsies. Routine Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was supplemented with special stains [Masson's trichrome, PAS, Reticulin] and Immunohistochemistry [HepPar-1, CK18, Glypican-3, DOG-1] when indicated. Data were analyzed for histopathological pattern, age, and sex distribution using Descriptive statistics. Results: Among 42 cases, non-neoplastic lesions constituted 57%, predominantly chronic hepatitis [24%], fatty liver/NAFLD [17%], and cirrhosis [12%]. Neoplastic lesions accounted for 43%, with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC][29%] as the most frequent primary malignancy, followed by metastatic deposits [12%] and hepatoblastoma [2%]. A slight male predominance was observed [M: F = 1.1:1], whereas metabolic changes were more common in females. Special stains and immunohistochemistry aided in confirming diagnoses and characterizing fibrosis, glycogen accumulation, and cellular differentiation. Conclusion: Chronic liver disease and fatty liver/NAFLD remain the leading non-neoplastic pathologies, while hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] is the most prevalent malignancy. Histopathology remains indispensable for accurate diagnosis and classification of hepatic disease trends.
