Medical Centric

HEPATIC HEMANGIOMA

Uncategorized / By

HEPATIC HEMANGIOMA

A hepatic hemangioma is a noncancerous lump in the liver that is made up of widened blood vessels fed by the hepatic (liver) artery.

  • When a collection of blood vessels forms a lump, it is referred to as hemangioma
  • Some hemangiomas form externally on the skin while others develop inside the body, including on organs such as the liver
  • Usually, a patient has only one hemangioma, but in some cases, they may have multiple hemangiomas
  • Hemangioma do not develop into cancer and they do not spread to other areas of the body
  • A hemangioma of the liver is called hepatic hemangioma or a cavernous hemangioma
  • Hepatic hemangioma is the most common noncancerous liver tumor.

CAUSES

The exact cause of the condition is unknown. Doctors believe that hepatic hemangioma is congenital –

meaning that they are present from birth, although they can also develop at any point during a person’s life.

Hepatic hemangioma is more common in people aged 30-50 and is more likely to occur in women than in men

The risk factor may include:

  • It is believed that the female hormone, which increases during pregnancy may play a role in the growth of hepatic hemangioma. As a result of this, women who have been pregnant are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition than women who have never been pregnant.
  • Hormone replacement therapy. Women who use hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms are also at a higher risk of being diagnosed with the condition than women who don’t

SYMPTOMS

In most cases, the condition does not cause any symptoms. This is because people usually have small-sized and

single hepatic hemangioma.

In rare cases, people can have multiple and larger hepatic hemangiomas. In cases where they are larger,

symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal discomfort and bloating
  • Pain
  • Nausea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • A sense of fullness after eating a small meal

In severe cases, a larger hemangioma may rupture, resulting in a disruption in organ function, bleeding into the abdomen, or widespread blood clotting. This can be very fatal.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will order imaging tests to look for abnormalities in the liver. These may include:

  • MRI scan
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan
TREATMENT

Small hemangiomas usually don’t cause symptoms and won’t need treatment. In this case, the doctor may schedule follow-up exams to monitor your hemangioma for growth. This is needed because about 10% of hemangiomas increase in size over time, for unknown reasons.

In cases where treatment is required. Treatment options depend on the location, size, overall health, whether you have multiple hemangiomas, and your preference. Treatment options may include:

  • Surgery to remove the hemangioma
  • Surgery to remove part of the liver, including the hemangioma
  • Procedures to stop blood flow to the hemangioma
  • Radiation therapy
  • Liver transplant for large and multiple hemangiomas that are not possible to treat.

Women who have been diagnosed with hepatic hemangioma face a risk of complications if they get pregnant. It is important to discuss possible complications with your doctor before getting pregnant, as this can help make more informed choices.