giant liver hemangioma

My husband has recently been diagnosed with a benigh hepatic  hemangioma. An embolization attempt was tried & it was not feasable to do as blood vessels from both the liver & the hemangioma were mixed together.

The description is:  He has a giant hemangioma (12.7 x 15.7 cm) encompassing nearly the entire right hepatic lobe and the medial portions of the left hepatic lobe.  The arterial supply to the hemangioma is provided primarily through the right hepatic artery.

  Our doctor specializes in liver surgery and is a professor at a University Teaching Hospital.  He is discouraging surgery because of bleeding problems.

There are days when it affects his eating and causes alot of belching & gas because of the pressure & he doesn't feel good.  He also tires very easily.  And then there are days when he feels very good.  Why are some days good & some not?

Our concern is what to do; get a second opinion, do nothing or insist on surgery. A transplant has been mentioned for sometime in the future.

Has there been any research done on liver hemangiomas or a hospital where treatment is advised?  What makes a hemangioma suddenly start to grow?

Whatever you can tell us, thank you!!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would obtain a second opinion.  Surgical treatments can include resection, hepatic artery ligation, and liver transplantation.  If the embolization has failed, some of these surgical options can be considered.  

The cause of a hemangioma is incompletely understood.  It is hypothesized that it is due to a vascular malformation that may have been present at birth.  It is influenced by shifting hormone levels.

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.
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