Summary about Disease
A liver hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of a tangle of blood vessels in the liver. It is the most common type of benign liver tumor. Most people with liver hemangiomas never experience any symptoms and may not even know they have one. These tumors are usually discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons. Liver hemangiomas do not typically require treatment unless they cause symptoms or grow very large.
Symptoms
Most liver hemangiomas do not cause any symptoms. However, if the hemangioma is large (greater than 4 cm), symptoms may include:
Pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
Feeling full after only eating a small amount
Nausea
Vomiting
In rare cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Causes
The exact cause of liver hemangiomas is unknown. It is believed that they are congenital, meaning people are born with them. They are not caused by lifestyle factors or environmental exposures. Genetics might play a small role.
Medicine Used
In most cases, liver hemangiomas do not require treatment, so medicines are not typically used. However, if symptoms are severe or if the hemangioma is very large, treatment options may include:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage abdominal pain.
Hormone therapy (rare): In rare cases, hormone therapy may be used to shrink the hemangioma. This is more often considered if there is a link to hormone changes (like pregnancy).
Other treatments: In rare cases, if surgery is not an option, medications may be used to try to shrink the hemangioma. These are typically only used in severe cases.
Is Communicable
No, liver hemangiomas are not communicable. They are not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Since the cause is unknown and they are usually congenital, there are no specific precautions to prevent liver hemangiomas. Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to monitor your overall health. If a liver hemangioma is diagnosed, follow your doctor's recommendations for monitoring and management. For women with liver hemangiomas, discuss family planning with your doctor as pregnancy can sometimes cause them to grow.
How long does an outbreak last?
Liver hemangiomas are not an "outbreak" situation. They are a condition that is either present at birth or develops slowly over time. They are not caused by an infection or external factor that would resolve after a certain period. Instead they are monitored over time.
How is it diagnosed?
Liver hemangiomas are usually diagnosed incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons. Diagnostic methods include:
Ultrasound: An initial imaging test that can often identify a hemangioma.
CT scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed images of the liver.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides the most detailed images and is often the preferred method for diagnosis.
Nuclear Medicine Scan (Tagged RBC Scan): A specialized scan that can confirm the diagnosis of a hemangioma.
Timeline of Symptoms
In most cases, there are no symptoms. If symptoms develop, they usually appear gradually as the hemangioma grows. There is no typical "timeline." The onset of symptoms is variable and depends on the size and location of the hemangioma, as well as individual factors. The symptoms do not have a set timeline, and their development hinges on growth or complication.
Important Considerations
Monitoring: Small, asymptomatic hemangiomas usually only require periodic monitoring with imaging tests.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy can sometimes cause liver hemangiomas to grow due to hormonal changes.
Oral contraceptives: Some studies suggest a link between oral contraceptive use and hemangioma growth, but the evidence is not conclusive.
Rupture: Rupture of a liver hemangioma is very rare but can be life-threatening.
Consult with a specialist: If you have a large or symptomatic hemangioma, consult with a hepatologist (liver specialist) or a surgeon specializing in liver diseases.