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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna Written by Sparshi SrivastavaTable of Contents
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The liver is one of the body's essential organs, processing nutrients and filtering toxins from the bloodstream, regulating blood clotting and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Haemangioma of the Liver is a benign growth in the liver. This type of tumour comprises abnormal blood vessels clustered together and supplied by the hepatic artery.
Although liver haemangiomas are usually harmless and don't require any treatment, they can sometimes cause complications or require medical intervention. Liver haemangiomas may also grow in size, leading to abdominal pain and other symptoms.
Keep reading to explore the key features of liver haemangiomas, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
| Disease Name | Liver haemangioma |
| Alternative Name | Hepatic hemangiomas |
| Symptoms | Abdominal pain or discomfort, Nausea and vomiting, Fatigue, Loss of appetite |
| Risk factors | Genetics, Hormones, Age, Gender, Injury |
| Diagnosis | Imaging test, Biopsy, Blood test, Scintigraphy |
| Treated by | Hepatologist, Gastroenterologist |
| Treatment options | Liver transplant |
Haemangioma liver are tumours that usually develop in the blood vessels found in the liver are benign in nature. Haemangiomas in the liver are of two types which are as follows,
The liver haemangiomas symptoms rarely appear in most cases, as the mass size is small. However, if the mass grows larger than 5cms or, in very rare cases, larger than 10cms, then the following liver haemangioma symptoms are likely to occur,
In certain rare cases, the larger haemangioma in the liver may rupture, affecting the normal functioning of the liver. It may cause bleeding into the abdominal cavity or widespread blood clotting, which can be life-threatening. Furthermore, this can lead to heart failure, which can be fatal if left untreated.
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Doctors do not know the exact reason why blood vessels cluster and develop into a liver haemangioma. However, here are some possible risk factors of liver haemangioma:
As the exact cause of liver haemangiomas is not known, there are no known specific prevention methods. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain risk factors may help reduce the likelihood of developing liver haemangiomas. Here are some general tips:
Liver haemangiomas are often discovered incidentally during medical imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs, that are performed for other reasons. If a liver haemangioma is suspected based on imaging results, further testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Here are some common methods used to diagnose liver haemangiomas:
Preparing for a doctor's consultation for liver haemangioma can help ensure that all important questions are addressed and that the most effective treatment plan is developed. Here are some tips for preparing for a doctor's consultation:
Most liver haemangiomas do not require treatment, as they are usually small and do not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, treatment may be necessary, especially if the haemangioma is large or causing symptoms.
Also, the doctor could suggest performing routine imaging tests every six to twelve months to check for any changes in size or development.
If the haemangioma expands considerably, manifests symptoms, or raises the risk of complications, the doctor may advise a course of therapy that comprises the following treatments,
In certain cases, haemangioma in the liver may be successfully treated without any surgical intervention. The non-surgical treatment approaches that may be used for haemangiomas in liver include the following,
In certain cases, where the haemangioma in the liver grows too big in size and begins to pain, surgical intervention is a treatment option that is used by the doctor. Certain surgeries that may be used for treating haemangioma in liver may include the following,
| Surgery Name | Surgery Cost |
| Liver Transplant | ₹ 15,00,000 to ₹ 35,00,000 |
In general, liver haemangiomas are benign (noncancerous) and do not cause health problems. However, in rare cases, complications can occur. Some possible risks and complications of liver haemangioma include:
Most liver haemangiomas do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment. However, it is important to see a doctor if the patient experiences any concerning symptoms or if the patient has a history of liver problems.
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the need to see a doctor for liver haemangioma:
There is no specific diet that has been proven to treat or prevent liver haemangioma. However, a healthy diet can help support liver function and overall health. Here are some dietary recommendations that may be helpful for people with liver haemangioma:
Liver haemangioma is a benign growth that occurs in the liver. This type of tumour comprises abnormal blood vessels clustered together and supplied by the hepatic artery. Liver haemangioma may not need treatment when its size is small. However, if it grows larger and you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting etc. occur, you would need to undergo a treatment regime.
At HexaHealth, we are committed to providing our patients with the best possible care and treatment options. Our team of experienced physicians and medical professionals use the latest technology and medical advancements to accurately diagnose liver haemangioma and develop a personalised treatment plan that meets each patient's individual needs.
We understand that the cost of healthcare can be a major concern for patients, which is why we strive to offer affordable treatment options without compromising on quality or care. At HexaHealth, we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care and support throughout their treatment journey.
To read more on conditions related to the liver, visit the following links:
Every disease has certain myths, and it is necessary to debunk these myths and learn about the actual facts. Some common myths and facts about liver haemangioma include the following,
Since liver haemangiomas often small sized masses, the symptoms don't always show up. However, the following liver haemangioma symptoms are more likely to occur if the mass increases in size beyond 5 cm or, in extremely rare circumstances, over 10 cm:
The following people are believed to be at risk of developing liver haemangiomas,
There may not be any connection between haemangioma and alcohol. Liver haemangiomas are not linked to alcohol consumption as a risk factor. Instead, alcohol is more commonly associated with developing malignant liver lesions.
Although alcohol can lead to liver issues, it does not seem to contribute to the development of haemangiomas.
There are two forms of haemangiomas in the liver. The following are examples of these two kinds:
Haemangiomas can be present at birth but are more commonly noticed within the first few months of life. They typically start as a flat, red patch on the body, with the most common locations being the face, scalp, chest, or back.
Usually, a child will have only one haemangioma, although if they are part of multiple births, they may have more than one.
Typically, infantile haemangiomas will stop growing and decrease in size when the child turns one year old. During this process, the haemangioma will flatten and become less red. This phase is involution and can continue from late infancy to early childhood.
Most of the shrinking of an infantile haemangioma occurs before a child reaches 3 1/2 to 4 years of age.
Liver haemangiomas are typically slow-growing and do not usually cause symptoms. A study found that about 40% of liver haemangiomas can increase in size over time, although the growth rate is usually slow.
However, those that grow tend to do so at a steady pace. They grow at the rate of 2 millimetres per year in size and 17.4% per year in volume. More research is required to determine how patients with haemangiomas that grow faster should be treated.
As liver haemangiomas are usually asymptomatic, they are often detected incidentally during medical examinations carried out for other reasons. A liver haemangioma may be diagnosed while getting imaging tests done. These tests include
On viewing the image produced during CT scans, a typical hepatic haemangioma appears as a well-defined, low-density lesion.
When a contrast dye is injected, the lesion shows enhancement around its edges, gradually filling its interior. This pattern is characteristic of larger haemangiomas, but smaller lesions measuring less than 5 mm can be challenging to identify using imaging techniques.
Usually, imaging tests are sufficient to differentiate between liver haemangioma and liver cancer. However, if a haemangioma does not have typical features, further investigation may be necessary to distinguish it from cancer.
Unlike haemangiomas, liver cancers tend to change in appearance over time. Additionally, if cancer has spread to the liver from another part of the body, it will also be present in that location.
Yes, in rare cases, a liver haemangioma can cause complications. These rare complications of liver haemangioma include the following,
In rare cases where the haemangioma grows and becomes large, causes symptoms, or increases the risk of developing complications, your doctor may recommend either surgical or non-surgical intervention, depending upon your situation.
Some of the treatment approaches used to treat haemangioma in the liver may include the following,
Most liver haemangiomas do not require any treatment since they typically do not cause harm. Surgery is the only definitive treatment option for liver haemangiomas, but it is usually reserved for cases where the patient experiences symptoms.
Abdominal pain or discomfort is the most common reason for surgical removal of a liver haemangioma.
The surgical options for treating liver haemangiomas include resection, which involves removing part or all of the liver containing the haemangioma, and liver transplantation, which is rarely performed in cases where the haemangioma is large and causes severe symptoms or complications.
Other minimally invasive procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation and embolization, may also be used.
Cavernous haemangioma liver treatment may include watchful waiting with imaging tests, embolization, radiofrequency ablation, or surgery.
Treatment is usually only recommended if the haemangioma is large, causing symptoms, or has the potential to rupture or bleed. The best treatment option will depend on the individual case and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Homeopathy offers various medicines for haemangioma, including Fluoric Acid, Thuja, Phosphorus, Lachesis, Acetic Acid, Calcarea Flour, Radon, and Hamamelis.
However, it is always advisable to consult a professional homoeopathic doctor who can prescribe the most suitable medicine based on your symptoms and medical history.
Surgical liver haemangioma removal may involve some pain or discomfort during the recovery period. The size and location of the haemangioma, as well as the surgical technique used, can affect the amount of pain experienced.
While efforts are made to minimize scarring, there may be some scarring or visible incision sites after surgery.
Surgical haemangioma removal may impact the liver adversely in some cases, particularly if a large portion of the liver is removed. Patients may experience temporary liver dysfunction or complications such as bleeding, infection, or blood clots.
However, these risks are generally low and can be minimized with careful monitoring and appropriate management.
No, liver haemangiomas typically do not disappear independently without treatment. However, most people with liver haemangiomas do not experience any symptoms, and these growths are usually small.
They do not pose a significant health risk, even if they become larger. As a result, treatment is typically unnecessary, and doctors may monitor the haemangioma periodically to ensure that it is not growing or causing any problems.
All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.
Last Updated on: 4 April 2023
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES
12 Years Experience
Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More
B.Tech Biotechnology (Bansal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow)
2 Years Experience
An ardent reader, graduated in B.Tech Biotechnology. She was previously associated with medical sciences secondary research and writing. With a keen interest and curiosity-driven approach, she has been able to cont...View More
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