Liver hemangiomas are non-cancerous growths on the liver that are made up of blood vessels.

They are quite common and are typically harmless, with most people not even knowing they have them unless they are found during an imaging test for another reason. However, in some cases, they can cause issues and require medical intervention. Let’s explore the causes and symptoms of liver hemangiomas in more detail.

What Causes Liver Hemangiomas?

The exact cause of liver hemangiomas remains unknown, but they are believed to be present from birth. In fact, they are one of the most common types of benign liver tumors, with an estimated 5-20% of people having at least one.

They can occur in people of any age, but are most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

What Are the Symptoms of Liver Hemangiomas?

As previously mentioned, most people with liver hemangiomas do not experience any symptoms. However, in some cases, they may cause discomfort or lead to complications. The most common symptoms associated with liver hemangiomas include:.

Abdominal pain
Discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

In rare cases, large liver hemangiomas can cause bleeding or rupture, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. If you experience severe abdominal pain or other symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Diagnosing Liver Hemangiomas

Liver hemangiomas are typically found incidentally, meaning they are discovered during an imaging test for another reason.

However, if you experience symptoms or if your doctor suspects you may have a liver hemangioma, they may order additional tests, such as:.

Ultrasound: using sound waves to create images of your liver
CT scan: an advanced type of X-ray that creates detailed images of internal structures
MRI: using strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of your liver
Angiogram: injecting contrast dye into your blood vessels to create a detailed image of your liver

Based on the results of these tests, your doctor will be able to diagnose whether or not you have a liver hemangioma and determine whether further medical intervention is necessary.

When Do Liver Hemangiomas Require Treatment?

In the majority of cases, liver hemangiomas do not require treatment and can be monitored over time. However, if they grow in size, cause significant discomfort, or if there is a risk of rupture or bleeding, your doctor may recommend treatment.

The most common treatment options for liver hemangiomas include:.

Medications: such as beta blockers or hormones to reduce the size of the hemangioma
Surgical removal: in rare cases, the hemangioma may need to be surgically removed
Embolization: a minimally invasive procedure that involves cutting off blood flow to the hemangioma

It is important to note that treatment is only necessary in a small percentage of cases, and the vast majority of people with liver hemangiomas do not experience any issues.

Conclusion

Liver hemangiomas are a common and typically harmless type of benign liver tumor. While they can cause discomfort and other symptoms in some cases, they rarely require medical intervention.

However, if you experience any concerning symptoms or if your doctor suspects you may have a liver hemangioma, be sure to seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and care.