A hemangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor consisting of dilated blood vessels. When a hemangioma occurs in the liver it is called a hepatic hemangioma.

A cavernous hepatic hemangioma is the most common non-cancerous tumor of the liver. It is believed to be a congenital defect, and is usually not discovered until medical pictures are taken of the liver for some other reason.

Cavernous hemangiomas can occur at anytime, but are most common in the 30s to 50s. Women are affected more often than men, and usually have bigger tumors than men.

Babies may develop a type of hepatic hemangioma called benign infantile hemangioendothelioma (also called multinodular hepatic hemangiomatosis). This rare, non-cancerous tumor has been linked to high rates of heart failure and death in infants. Infants are usually diagnosed by the time they are 6 months old.

Hemangiomas may cause bleeding or interfere with organ function, depending on their location. Most cavernous hemangiomas do not show symptoms. In rare cases, a cavernous hemangioma may rupture. (The only symptom may be an enlarged liver.)

Babies with benign infantile hemangioendothelioma may have an abdominal mass, anemia, and signs of heart failure.

The following tests may be performed:

• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
• MRI
• CT scan of the liver
• Hepatic angiogram
• Blood tests (thrombocytopenia   may be present in large hemangiomas)

Most cavernous hepatic hemangiomas are treated only if there is persistent pain.

Treatment for infantile hemangioendothelioma depends on the child's growth and development. The following treatments may be needed:

• Medications for heart failure
• Embolization of the liver
• Ligation of the liver artery
• Surgery to remove the tumor

Pregnancy and estrogen-based medications can cause cavernous hemangiomas to grow.

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2002:1592-1594.

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2005: 562.