Re: hemangiomas

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on August 10, 1998 at 15:10:54:

In Reply to: hemangiomas posted by maria on August 07, 1998 at 21:12:04:






I was diagnosed with a 3 cm hemangioma in Feb. 97, during an abdominal sonogram. Since then, I have been re-evaluated every 6 months for follow ups- on my last follow-up, 2 days ago, they could not find the hemangioma. The tech and the radiologist both could not seem to locate it on my liver. The last sono I had was April 1998, which I was also 7 months pregnant. Is it possible that it disappeared? It was to my understanding that once you had one you had one forever, am I wrong on assuming that?? The tech did say that they recommend a CAT scan or MRI to  verify it's disappearance. Please could you give me all the information you have on liver hemangioma's and if they can or can not just "disappear?"
Dear Maria,
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