Re: hemangioma

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on October 21, 1998 at 09:27:07:

In Reply to: hemangioma posted by Lisa on October 20, 1998 at 14:07:30:






I was informed that I had hemangioma of the liver. I don't know how long it is but i was told it is something to take very serious. Is this true? I am 30 years old and haven't felt well for a long time. They found this on a ultrasound. Is this common? I was also told to see a gasterology dr. Should I go all about this or am i getting to overworked about this?Thanks for listening.Please let me know how serious this is.
Dear Lisa,
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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