Hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) are benign liver tumors associated with bleeding or malignant transformation. Data on the indication for surgery are scarce. We analyzed indications and outcome of patients operated for HCAs 50 mm (52%), suspicion of (pre)malignancy (28%), and (previous) bleeding (5.1%). No difference was observed in HCA‐subtype distribution between small and large tumors. Ninety‐six (43%) patients had a postoperative change in diagnosis. Independent risk factors for change in diagnosis were tumor size