liver hemangiomas

[bCanuck]

Ok I have been feeling ill (weak and just not myself) for the past 3 months I have had an ESR rating of 48 which has now gone down to 2 and slightly high platelet level. Recently I have been having upper abdominal pain and went for an ultrasound. The ultrasound found something that the doctor says is a hemangioma. I was wondering how sure he can be with the finding through an ultrasound and also if it could be cancerous. The hemangioma is on my liver and is 2.2 cm. Another question I have is how do you treat or get rid of these hemangiomas.

By the way I am a 26 year old male who is usually healthy and athletic.

[Mitaa]

I was dign

[van71]

It may be related to a different problem. Like me, they found it when trying to figure out what is causing my abdominal pain. My bloodwork for my liver came back fine. However, they have found my gallbladder is not functioning properly which is causing my abdominal pain. Did they look at your gallbladder during the ultrasound? You may want to ask your dr about a hida scan to test it, since I dont have stones that is the test that discovered my problem. Where is your pain at in your abdomen?

VAN

[mmfd]

Hi.  I was also told I have a liver hemangioma.  This was years ago and I don't remember how big it was.  One thing for sure is that it cannot be biopsied as the liver is extremely vascular and it would cause too much bleeding.  I was having a lot of bloating then also and general stomach distress.  I was found to have GERD, or reflux, and with treatment with PPI's like Protonix, it went away.  I actually forgot about the hemangioma!  One that size will not cause symptoms and they certainly wouldn't want to take it out.  If your liver enzymes are normal, and I would ask to have  it done if only for peace of mind, then just forget about it!  PS I am an RN.

[bCanuck]

HI thanks for the response. I am really concerned because I have been feeling ill for months and Im not too sure if this hemangioma is what is causing it. I have also read that they have no symptoms... So that doesnt explain why my stomach feels hard and bloated and the pain that I get in the abdomin area. The bloating has been on and off for a few weeks now and I have been to the doctor numerous times concerning this and other problems. Im getting really frustrated with this. Did you have liver function tests done to see if your liver was normal?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

A hemangioma is typically a benign lesion that is not associated with liver cancer.  

Typically, they can be observed.  However, if there is rapid growth - or if the lesion grows greater than 5cm, then removal can be considered.  

You can consider a CT scan or MRI for further definition of the lesion.

Discussion of possible removal can be done in conjunction with a surgeon.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.
kevinmd_b

[van71]

Hi, I was just diagnosed with a liver hemangioma the same size as yours in December. I am having upper abdominal pain so they did a catscan and found it. To make sure that is what it was. they did another catscan and confirmed it was a hemangioma. All my drs are saying it is not causing my pain (since then have been diagnosed with a bad gallbladder), since these are asymptomatic unless they are giant (which ours are not). They will monitor mine every six months for awhile to make sure it is not growing...that is the only thing they do worry about. These are benign and since ours is soo small should not be of concern. I am a healthy 34 year old, so wondered why I had one of these and the drs say I have most likely had since birth. Because these are asymptomatic, most people that do have them usually never even know because they are found accidentally when testing for other problems. They do not recommend surgically removing these, again unless they grow or are giant. Please feel free to ask me any questions, as I have done a ton of research the last two months...but am not a dr.

VAN