haemangioma

[minnie4]

Hi Guys...Im have kidney, liver (17mm) tumours benign known as haemangiomas, I also have uterine fibroid, my doc has referred me to a hepatologist for MRI to establish whether the tumur in my liver is hcc or a nodule, I seem to be prone to lumps and my question is, is this common among hep c people ?many thanks and good luck to you all...Minnie

[jerialice]

Hector, do you think the heman..'s could cause any issues in a BX?
I have had that concern, which is why i have asked for a fibroscan!
Let us know if you have any info on that?

hope your day is ok.
Jerialice

[minnie4]

Thanks so much for your detailed reply Hector, it is a complex area, your opening line " Haemangiomas are nothing to be concerned about" is re assuring however I am at the stage where the hepatologist is questioning the previously referred to as haemangioma as the "shadow" on my liver, he has sent me for fbc, AFP. I have asked him to send me for an mri. Given that AFPtest is sensitive in 60% of patients and is therefore not definitive, have you any idea how to conclusively test for HCC..Thanks again for any advice Hector...All the best to you...Bernie

[minnie4]

Hi Will....thank you for taking the trouble to answer my queerie, firstly in relation to your question, yes I have hep C, that is why I chose this site and why I asked  if people  who had hep c were prone to lumps also. I am taking my time before going for MRI, so I dont get causght up in the fear polarity attached to both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Even if it turns out to be cancer and although i fear it a bit I have decided to take my chances with alternative treatments. Just as a point of interest the ****** center in Mexico claim to have cancer cure success rates of 43% compared to lower single digits for chemo & rad theraphy.
All the best to you Will from this Irish woman,
Bernie

[HectorSF]

Haemangiomas are nothing to be concerned about. They are the most common type of benign tumor. They have nothing to do with HCC (liver cancer) lesions. Talk to your hepatologist. It is their job to explain this to you.

http://www.medicinenet.com/hepatic_hemangioma/article.htm

"Hepatic hemangiomas are thought to be present in as many as 7% of healthy people. Hemangiomas are four to six times more common in women than in men. Female hormones may promote the formation and growth of hemangiomas. Hemangiomas, although referred to as tumors, are not malignant and do not become cancerous. Hemangiomas are not unique to the liver and can occur almost anywhere in the body.

What are the symptoms of a hepatic hemangioma?

Hemangiomas usually are small, measuring only a quarter inch in diameter, but they can be several inches in diameter or even larger. The vast majority of hemangiomas of the liver never cause symptoms or health problems. Most hepatic hemangiomas are discovered incidentally at the time of testing for unrelated medical problems, most commonly with ultrasound imaging or CT (computerized tomography) scanning of the abdomen. Very large hemangiomas can cause symptoms, especially if they are positioned near other organs. Pain, nausea, or enlargement of the liver can occur. Rarely, larger hemangiomas can rupture, causing severe pain and bleeding into the abdomen that may be severe or even life threatening.


How is the diagnosis of a hepatic hemangioma made?

When a hemangioma is suspected, the challenge for the physician is to be sure that it is in fact a hemangioma and not another type of tumor, particularly a malignant one. With specialized tests, however, doctors can reassure patients that the tumor is with little doubt a hemangioma. Such special testing may include scintigraphy (using a tiny amount of a radioactive substance to identify the hemangioma), CT scanning, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). In general, a biopsy of suspected hemangiomas is avoided because of their benign nature and the potential risk of bleeding from the biopsy.

What is the treatment for hepatic hemangioma?

The vast majority of hepatic hemangiomas require no treatment. If a hepatic hemangioma is large, especially if it is causing symptoms, surgical removal is an option."

For images of hemangiomas and HCC tumors see the link...
http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/448eef3083354

Good luck!

Hector

[willbb]

Hi...

This is a forum  for people dealing with Hepatits C , treatments and the like.

Do you have HCV?  If not you may want to take your question to the "Liver Disorders" forum.

Just  for some info..... benign cysts and tumours are quite common on the liver in the general population ,regardless of having HCV or not,as I hope your is.

I have had a small growth on my liver for at least 10 years,  which is benign and totally harmless

Good luck...
Will