Liver Hemangioma - Symptoms, Causes, Size and Treatment

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.

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, 

1. Cavernous Liver Haemangioma: This type of haemangioma in liver is the most prevalent type. A cavernous liver haemangioma is a mass that contains dilated or enlarged blood vessels. The spaces between the blood vessels here are occupied or filled by blood. 
2. Capillary Liver Haemangioma: This type of liver haemangioma is formed when small blood vessels come together to form a mass. A layer of tissue supports this formed mass of blood vessels.

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,

1. Pain or discomfort in the upper right portion of the abdomen
2. Nausea and vomiting 
3. Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
4. Feeling fatigued 
5. Loss of appetite 

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.

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:

1. Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to developing liver haemangiomas, as they tend to run in families.
2. Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or with the use of hormone replacement therapy, may increase the risk of developing liver haemangiomas.
3. Age: Liver haemangiomas are more common in middle-aged adults, with most cases occurring between the ages of 30 and 50.
4. Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop liver haemangiomas, possibly due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
5. Injury: A history of liver injury or surgery may increase the risk of developing liver haemangiomas.
6. Other health conditions: Liver haemangiomas have been associated with other health conditions, such as Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome and Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome.

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:

1. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing liver haemangiomas.
2. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in fibre and fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of developing liver haemangiomas.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of developing liver haemangiomas.
4. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to liver damage, which may increase the risk of developing liver haemangiomas.
5. Manage underlying health conditions: Managing underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol, may help reduce the risk of developing liver haemangiomas.

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:

1. Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs, can provide detailed images of the liver and any abnormal growths or lesions that may be present.
   If a haemangioma is suspected, a contrast material may be injected into a vein during imaging tests to make the lesion more visible.
2. Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of liver haemangioma.
   During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is removed from the liver and examined under a microscope for signs of abnormal growth.
3. Blood tests: Blood tests may be used to check liver function and to rule out other possible causes of liver abnormalities.
4. Scintigraphy: It is a a kind of medical imaging that produces pictures of the liver using a radioactive material called a tracer.

How to prepare for a doctor’s consultation?

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:

1. Take note of any symptoms, such as pain or discomfort, as well as any concerns or questions that the patient may have about the liver health.
2. Bring a list of all medications, supplements, and vitamins that the patient is taking, including dosages.
3. Be sure to provide the complete medical history, including any prior liver issues or conditions.
4. Consider bringing a support person to the consultation, especially if the patient is feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
5. Write down a list of questions to ask the doctor, such as the risks and benefits of different treatment options.
6. Follow any pre-appointment instructions: If the doctor provides any specific instructions before the appointment, such as avoiding certain foods or medications, be sure to follow them.
7. Bring medical records: If the patient has had any prior medical imaging tests, such as ultrasounds or CT scans, bring the results to the 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, 

Liver haemangioma treatment without surgery

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, 

1. Embolization: This procedure involves injecting a substance into the blood vessels that supply the haemangioma, causing them to clot and cutting off the blood supply to the haemangioma.
2. Radiofrequency ablation: This procedure involves using high-frequency electrical current to destroy the cells in the haemangioma.
3. Medications: In rare cases, medications may be used to shrink the size of the haemangioma or reduce symptoms, such as pain.

Liver haemangioma treatment with surgery

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,

1. Liver Transplant: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the haemangioma, especially if it is large or causing symptoms. This may involve removing part of the liver or the entire liver, depending on the location and size of the haemangioma.

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:

1. Rupture: Although rare, a liver haemangioma can rupture, causing internal bleeding. This can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.
2. Pain: A liver haemangioma may cause pain or discomfort if it becomes large enough to press against other organs or structures.
3. Misdiagnosis: In some cases, liver haemangiomas may be misdiagnosed as liver cancer or other liver conditions, leading to unnecessary testing or treatment.
4. Growth or change: While most liver haemangiomas do not grow or change over time, some may increase in size or number. This may require monitoring or treatment.
5. Surgery complications: If surgery is needed to remove a liver haemangioma, there are risks associated with the procedure, such as bleeding, infection, and anaesthesia complications.

When to See a Doctor?

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:

1. Abdominal pain
2. Nausea or vomiting
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Jaundice
5. Enlarged liver
6. History of liver problems

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:

1. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help support liver health.
2. Choose lean protein sources: Opt for lean protein sources, such as fish, poultry, beans, and legumes, which can help support liver function.
3. Limit saturated fat and processed foods: Foods that are high in saturated fat and processed foods can contribute to inflammation and liver damage.
4. Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol can damage the liver and should be limited or avoided altogether.
5. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water can help support liver function and overall health.
6. Talk to the doctor about any dietary supplements: Some dietary supplements, such as vitamin A and iron, can be harmful to the liver in large doses. It is important to talk to the doctor before taking any dietary supplements.

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.

Suggested Reads

To read more on conditions related to the liver, visit the following links:

• Liver Hepatitis
• Liver Cirrhosis
• Sol in Liver
• Alcoholic Liver Disease
• Acute Liver Failure
• Hepatic Encephalopathy