Liver Hemangioma – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Doctors use several imaging tests to find and confirm liver hemangiomas. Abdominal ultrasound is often the first step. It uses sound waves to make images of the liver and can spot hemangiomas quickly.

CT scans use X-rays to create detailed slices of the liver, helping to check the size and shape of any tumors.

MRI gives a clear, in-depth view of blood vessels and helps doctors tell hemangiomas from other liver growths. Sometimes, doctors use scintigraphy with a safe radioactive tracer for more details.

Additional Details

Doctors may use a mix of tests to confirm the diagnosis if the results are not clear.
Imaging helps check if the tumor is causing symptoms like abdominal pain or jaundice.
Most liver hemangiomas are small, benign, and found by accident while testing for other issues.
For rare complex cases, doctors may order more advanced radiology studies.

Treatment

Doctors often begin liver hemangioma management with observation. Many cases do not need active intervention, especially if the hemangioma is small and causing no symptoms.

Doctors may use regular imaging tests to monitor its size and look for any changes over time.

Some people with larger or symptomatic hemangiomas may need more active treatments. Doctors prefer conservative management if there is no risk of complications.

Surgical and Procedural Approaches

Surgical Resection: Surgeons may remove the hemangioma or a part of the liver (hepatectomy) if the hemangioma is causing significant symptoms or complications. Techniques include both open and laparoscopic procedures. Surgeons may perform enucleation to carefully remove only the tumor while preserving surrounding liver tissue, which helps reduce operating time and minimize morbidity and intraoperative bleeding risks.
Transcatheter Arterial Embolization (TAE): Interventional radiologists block the main artery leading to the hemangioma, cutting off its blood supply. This helps shrink the mass and control symptoms without harming healthy liver tissue.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Doctors use heat to destroy hemangioma tissue. It’s less common but can be helpful in select cases.
Radiation Therapy: Doctors rarely use this due to potential side effects. They reserve it for cases where other treatments are not suitable.
Liver Transplantation: Doctors consider this only when there are multiple large hemangiomas or complications like Kasabach-Merritt syndrome and other therapies have not been successful.

The risk of malignant transformation is extremely low. Surgical management can lead to complications like bleeding or infection, but these are uncommon when managed properly.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Steps You Can Take Beforehand

Before the appointment, you can:

Check for any special instructions. Call ahead and find out if you need to stop eating or drinking, or follow any other rules before your visit.
List your symptoms. While many adults and children with liver hemangiomas won’t notice symptoms, write down anything unusual, like pain or changes in appetite.
Gather information on medications. Make a list or bring the bottles of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you or your child use.
Invite someone to go with you. Taking a family member or friend can make it easier to remember what the doctor says and provide support.
Prepare important questions. Asking clear questions can help you understand your or your child’s condition and the next steps.

Here are some sample questions to consider:

Question Type	Example
About the Hemangioma	How large is it? Is there more than one?
Concerning Growth	Has it changed in size over time?
Follow-Up Needs	Do I need another visit or further check-ups?
Treatment or Testing	Are more tests needed? Will treatment be necessary?
Daily Life and Health	Can any medicines make it worse? Are my symptoms related?

Always add any personal concerns or questions you have.

Questions Your Specialist May Ask

During the appointment, the doctor may ask:

Do you have symptoms such as stomach pain, feeling full quickly, nausea, or appetite loss?
Have you experienced a pregnancy, either current or in the past, since hormones can have effects?
Are you or your child using hormone treatments?