What are nodules in the liver?

Liver nodules are growths of the liver that resemble tumors and may or may not be cancerous, explains the American Cancer Society. Focal nodular hyperplasia tumors, which are usually benign, consist of hepatocytes, bile duct cells and connective tissue cells. These growths may be cancerous in appearance and necessitate removal.

Small, cancerous nodules of the liver may indicate hepatocellular carcinoma, according to the American Cancer Society. This specific growth pattern is the most common form in the United States and is also linked to cirrhosis. In the other growth pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma, a single tumor grows larger over time before spreading to the rest of the liver.