Should I be worried about liver hemangioma?
A liver hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the liver that is made up of clusters of blood-filled cavities. Most liver hemangiomas do not cause symptoms, although larger ones can cause poor appetite, nausea and vomiting. Smaller hemangiomas do not need to be treated, but larger hemangiomas may need surgery.
Is hemangioma in liver serious?
The hemangioma, or tumor, is a tangle of blood vessels. It’s the most common noncancerous growth in the liver. It’s rarely serious and doesn’t turn into liver cancer even when you don’t treat it.
Can a hemangioma of the liver be cancerous?
Although many people refer to them as tumors, hemangiomas are not malignant and do not become cancerous. There is no evidence to suggest that people who do not treat a liver hemangioma can develop liver cancer.
Do liver hemangiomas need to be removed?
Most liver hemangiomas don’t require treatment, and only some need monitoring. However, a hemangioma may need to be removed surgically if it’s large and growing or causing symptoms. If it causes significant pain or damage to a part of the liver, your doctor may decide to remove the entire affected section of the liver.
What is a nodule on the liver mean?
Non-malignant causes of liver nodules include cysts (simple cysts and multiple cysts typically associated with polycystic kidney disease), hepatic adenomas, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), hemangiomas, regenerative nodules, and various infections, including bacterial liver abscesses and infections secondary to …
Does liver hemangioma cause back pain?
A large hemangioma can cause dull right upper abdominal pain, persistent back pain, nausea, discomfort, and right shoulder pain. A large hemangioma that is close to the liver capsule leads to a slightly higher risk of bleeding with abdominal trauma.
Can liver nodules go away?
No, liver hemangioma doesn’t go away without treatment. People who have liver hemangioma rarely experience signs and symptoms and typically don’t need treatment. They are generally small and even if they become large they may not carry significant risk.
Should I be worried about liver nodules?
Liver lesions are abnormal growths that may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous. Benign lesions occur for a variety of reasons and are typically not cause for concern. Liver cancer is less common but more serious.
How do you treat liver nodules?
Treatment may include:
- Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be used to remove cancerous tissue from the liver. However, the tumor must be small and confined.
- Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.
Can liver hemangioma cause shortness of breath?
Symptoms from hemangiomas can result as they grow and begin to press on parts of the abdomen that are sensitive to pain. Pressure on the diaphragm, above the liver, can lead to shortness of breath.