Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Subject: Re: 9mm hemangiomas
Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic Area: Liver - General
Posted by HFHSM.D.-ym on October 08, 1998 at 21:10:03:
In Reply to: 9mm hemangiomas posted by gene on October 03, 1998 at 00:18:29:


I have a 9mm hemangiomas on the right lobe of the liver all I want to know is how big is that and can it get bigger.AND NOW WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT IT.BECAUSE I DONT KNOW WHATS GOING ON
Dear Gene,
A 9 mm hemangioma is very small. It should not be causing any symptoms. Sometimes hemangiomas can get larger but most do not enlarge. Your physician may want to confirm that the lesion in the liver is indeed a hemangioma using a second imaging modality. Depending on that result it will be determined if this lesion needs to be periodically followed.

Hemangiomas are the most common benign tumor of the liver. They occur at all ages but are most common in the third, fourth
and fifth decades of life. They are more common in women. They may increase in size during pregnancy. Most are seen
incidentally on various imaging studies. Although a hemangioma has a characteristic echogenic appearance on ultrasound, this
appearance is not peculiar to hemangioma. When a hemangioma is detected on ultrasound it is often confirmed with a second
study called dynamic hepatic blood flow scintigraphy (red blood cell scan). This scan can detect hemangiomas 3 cm or larger
with good accuracy. Other more expensive tests such as a dynamic CT scan or MRI are more accurate and can even detect
smaller hemangiomas. Treatment for hemangioma is only indicated if it is large, increasing in size and displacing surrounding
structures and organs, causing severe symptoms, or thrombosis or hemorrhage of the tumor is present (acute abdominal pain). I
do not believe that hemangiomas disappear, but once confirmed with a second imaging modality, they do not need to be so
closely followed unless symptoms are present.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or
consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an
appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: liver hemangioma

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