Liver Hemangioma: What It Is, Types, and Whether It Is Dangerous

A liver hemangioma is a benign tumor consisting of altered blood vessel cells. The formation is detected during liver imaging studies. Below: what this formation is, how it differs from cancer, and which studies help the doctor figure it out.

What a liver hemangioma is

The liver is the largest organ inside the body. It helps digest food, store energy, and remove toxins. There are many liver diseases: viral hepatitis, damage from medications, poisons, or alcohol, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, cancer, and hereditary diseases. Benign liver tumors occupy a separate place in this list.

The word “hemangioma” is made up of Greek roots: haima — blood, angeion — vessel, -oma — tumor. In specialists' definition, it is a benign tumor of spontaneously involuting endothelial cells of blood vessels. Put more simply, the nodule is built from altered vessels, not from malignant cells.

Whether a liver hemangioma is cancer or not

No. A hemangioma is benign; liver cancer belongs to a different group of diseases. That is why the wording in the report matters: what happens next depends on it.

During differential diagnosis, the doctor may rule out other vascular formations. It is best to discuss the precise interpretation of the images and the report with a doctor.

Types of liver hemangioma

In the ISSVA classification of vascular anomalies (2018 revision), hemangiomas are classified as vascular tumors. In the liver of children, such formations may correspond to infantile hemangioma, RICH, or PICH, or may be another vascular tumor. In adults, liver hemangiomas more often turn out to be a tumor process of a different etiology.

Doctors may use the terms “cavernous,” “capillary,” and “atypical” in reports; it is best to clarify with your attending physician what exactly each of them means in your case.

Why a liver hemangioma appears

The causes of liver hemangioma in adults have not been fully established. The factors listed below are known for infantile hemangiomas; they cannot be transferred to liver hemangioma in adults.

For infantile hemangiomas, the following are mentioned:

• the child's sex;
• low birth weight;
• viral illnesses in the mother during pregnancy;
• intrauterine hypoxia;
• multiple pregnancy.

How a hemangioma appears on ultrasound and other studies

Imaging studies are used to examine the liver: ultrasound, CT, and MRI of the abdominal cavity. If necessary, the doctor may order other examinations, including liver function tests and a liver biopsy. What is needed in your case is decided by the doctor who sees the person and their images.

When to see a doctor

Liver diseases sometimes have no symptoms at all, and when they do occur, they include swelling of the abdomen and legs, easy bruising, changes in the color of stool and urine, and jaundice — yellowing of the skin and eyes. Such signs are a reason to make an appointment without delay.

At the appointment, it makes sense to ask what exactly is visible on the image, whether a repeat examination is needed and after what period, and which specialist to go to next. Bring previous reports and images with you — they show the dynamics. Support can be sought from your doctor and in communities of patients with liver diseases.

A liver hemangioma by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Call 103 or 112 for a life-threatening condition — for example, loss of consciousness, severe pain, or signs of stroke or heart attack.

This material is for reference: it explains how to read a diagnosis but does not replace consultation with a doctor who will look at your images and tests.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer