Liver Hemangioma
What are liver hemangiomas?
Hemangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) masses in the liver made up of a cluster of blood vessels. Also called hepatic hemangiomas, cavernous hemangiomas and giant hemangiomas, these liver masses occur in about 20% of the population. They tend to appear in those between 30 and 50 years of age. They are also more common in women than men, especially women who have been pregnant or have had hormone replacement therapy.
Most people with these tumors do not experience and symptoms and do not even know they have them, unless discovered on a diagnostic imaging test. However, some of these tumors can grow large and begin to cause symptoms such as:
- Pain in the upper portion of the abdomen
- Feeling full after eating only a small amount
- Nausea or vomiting
Experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have one… it could be another condition and should be properly diagnosed by a physician.
What are my treatment options?
For those experiencing debilitating symptoms, hepatic (liver) surgery is the gold standard for treating these tumors. However, patient age, size of the mass and location, and the presence of other health conditions may make surgery impractical or impossible for some patients. For these patients, as well as for those who wish to avoid surgery for personal reasons, another less-invasive option is available called transarterial sclerotherapy is available from North Star Vascular & Interventional.