Hemangioma of the liver

Description

A hemangioma of the liver (he-man-jee-O-muh) is a noncancerous (benign) mass in the liver consists of a tangle of blood vessels. Also known as hepatic hemangiomas or cavernous hemangiomas, these liver masses are common and are estimated to occur in up to 20% of the population.

Most cases of liver hemangiomas are discovered during an imaging study performed for another condition. People who have a hemangioma of the liver rarely experience signs and symptoms and usually do not need treatment.

It can be unsettling to know that you have a mass in the liver, even if it is a benign tumor of the mass. However, there is evidence that not hemangioma of the liver can lead to liver cancer.

Symptoms

In most cases, a hemangioma of the liver does not cause any signs or symptoms.

When a hemangioma of the liver causes of signs and symptoms, which may include:

  • Pain in the right upper abdomen
  • Feeling full after eating only a small amount of meal (early satiety)
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

However, these symptoms are nonspecific, and in the majority of cases are due to something, even if you have a hemangioma of the liver, as these tend to be asymptomatic.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any persistent signs and symptoms that worry you.

Causes

It is not clear what causes a hemangioma of the liver to form. The doctors believe that liver hemangiomas are present at birth (congenital).

A hemangioma of the liver usually occurs as a single abnormal accumulation of blood vessels, which is less than 1.5 inches (4 centimeters) wide. Occasionally liver hemangiomas can be larger or occur in multiples. Large hemangiomas can occur in young children, but this is rare.

In most people, a hemangioma of the liver will never grow and never cause signs and symptoms. But in a small number of people, a hemangioma of the liver is going to be the cause of the symptoms and require treatment. It is not clear why this happens.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of a hemangioma of the liver diagnosis include:

  • Of his age. A hemangioma of the liver can be diagnosed at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 to 50 years.
  • Your sex. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with a hemangioma of the liver than men are.
  • Pregnancy. Women who have been pregnant are more likely to be diagnosed with a hemangioma of the liver that women who have never been pregnant. It is believed that the hormone estrogen, which increases during pregnancy, may play a role in the liver hemangioma growth.
  • The hormone replacement therapy. Women who use hormone replacement therapy for symptoms of menopause may be more likely to be diagnosed with a hemangioma of the liver that women who do not.

Complications

Women who have been diagnosed with liver hemangiomas are facing a risk of complications if they become pregnant. The female hormone, estrogen, which increases during pregnancy, is thought to cause some hemangiomas in the liver to grow more.

Very rarely, a growth of the hemangioma can cause signs and symptoms that may require treatment, including pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, bloating, or nausea. Have a liver hemangioma does not mean that you can't get pregnant. However, discussing the possible complications with your doctor can help you make an informed decision.

Drugs that affect the hormone levels in your body, such as birth control pills, may cause an increase in the size and complications if you have been diagnosed with a hemangioma of the liver. But this is debatable. If you are considering this type of medication, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Hemangioma of the liver

Diagnosis

The tests used to diagnose hemangiomas in the liver include:

  • Ultrasound, an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the liver
  • The computed tomography (CT), which combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the liver
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the liver
  • The scan, a type of nuclear imaging that uses a radioactive tracer material to produce images of the liver

Other tests may be used depending on your situation.

Treatment

If your liver hemangioma is small and does not cause any signs or symptoms do not need treatment. In most cases a hemangioma of the liver will never grow and will never cause problems. Your doctor may schedule follow-up tests to check your liver hemangioma periodically for growth if the hemangioma is large.

Hemangioma of the liver treatment depends on the location and size of the hemangioma, if you have more than one hemangioma, your general state of health and your preferences.

Treatment options may include:

  • The surgery to remove the liver hemangioma. If the hemangioma can be easily separated from the liver, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the mass.
  • Surgery to remove part of the liver, including the hemangioma. In some cases, surgeons may need to remove a portion of his liver along with the hemangioma.
  • The procedures to stop the flow of blood to the hemangioma. Without a blood supply, the hemangioma may stop growing or shrink. Two ways to stop the flow of blood are to tie the main artery (ligation of the hepatic artery) or the injection of a drug into the artery to block it (arterial embolization). Healthy liver tissue is unharmed because you can extract the blood of other boats nearby.
  • Liver transplant surgery. In the unlikely event that you have a large hemangioma or multiple hemangiomas that can't be treated by other means, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the liver and replace it with a liver from a donor.
  • The radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams, such as X-rays, the damage to the cells of the hemangioma. This treatment is rarely used, due to the availability of the safest and most effective treatments.

Preparing for your appointment

Most liver hemangiomas are discovered during a test or procedure to something more. If you believe that you have a liver mass, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist) or one that specializes in the liver (hepatologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask if there is anything that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
  • Write down any symptoms you are experiencing. The majority of people with liver hemangiomas do not have signs or symptoms.
  • Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • Have a family member or friend. It can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their doctor.

For a hemangioma of the liver, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is the size of my liver hemangioma?
  • I have a hemangioma of the liver or multiple hemangiomas?
  • Is my liver hemangioma growing?
  • What additional tests do I need?
  • I need treatment for my liver hemangioma?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?
  • Should I plan for a follow-up visit?
  • There are medications that can worsen my hemangioma?
  • Are my symptoms from the hemangioma?

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, including:

  • Has had pain, nausea, loss of appetite, or a feeling of fullness after eating a little?
  • Have you been pregnant?
  • Have used hormone replacement therapy?
Symptoms and treatment of hemangioma of the Liver