Hemangiomas

In 2001, during my 7th month of pregnancy, I had acute RUQ abd pain.  An US showed small 1.7x1.3cm well defined hyperechoic lesion of the right lobe.  No reason for concern.  In 2002, I experienced the same abd pain again in my RUQ of abd and the US then showed, "in a liver which is at the upper limits of normal, in the right lobe, 3 hyperechoic lesions are seen measuring, 1.8x1.8cm, 2.1x2.1cm,and 2.2x1.6cm" everything else was unremarkable, and it stated highly characteristic of hemangiomata.  I don't know if I should be concerned that I went from 1 lesion to 3 in 1 year or if the growth of the original one matters.  Should I follow up on this.  The reason for me bringing this up 3 years later is b/c i have had much joint pain since my 2 pregnancies, have gotten sick often, also had aseptic meningitis last year, and have had a lymph node on right side of neck behind ear for 3 years now.  Which was 11mm in 2004 and now at 14mm in 2005 which also stated many prominent lymph nodes in the deep sternoclido muscle and posterior jugular vein.  Could this all be related.  I'm trying to figure myself out, could you help and what do u think?  Also have family hx of cancer.  Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Normally, hemangiomas < 1.5cm can be observed.  Those larger than 5cm, or rapidly growing should have serial x-ray studies to monitor the progression.

If the hemangiomas spread or enlarge, you can consider surgery to remove them.  There are also some non-surgical techniques embolization or radiotherapy that can be discussed if removal is considered.

I am not aware of an association with the lymph nodes.  If they persist, you can consider a biopsy to ensure there is not a cancerous process going on.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[omh]

Is it possible to have the hemangiomas misdiagnosed?