A liver haemangioma is a benign tangle of blood vessels inside the liver. It is the most common non-cancerous liver lesion and is usually found by chance during an ultrasound or CT done for something else.
It is not cancer and does not turn into cancer. Most are small, cause nothing and need no treatment at all. The main task is to be certain that the spot really is a haemangioma and not something else.
Symptoms
- Usually no symptoms at all
- Dull ache or fullness under the right ribs when the lesion is large
- Feeling full quickly after eating if it presses on the stomach
- Nausea in a small number of people with giant lesions
Causes and risk factors
Haemangiomas are thought to be present from birth as a small vascular malformation. They are more common in women, and some enlarge slowly during pregnancy or with oestrogen treatment, which suggests a hormonal influence. They are not caused by alcohol, diet, hepatitis or medicines. Lesions above about 5 centimetres are called giant haemangiomas, and only these are likely to cause any symptoms.
How it is diagnosed
- Ultrasound: Shows a bright, well-defined spot. Typical small lesions in a person with no liver disease or cancer history often need nothing more.
- Contrast MRI: The most reliable test. A haemangioma fills with contrast from the edge inwards in a characteristic pattern.
- Multiphase CT: An alternative when MRI is not possible.
- Biopsy: Generally avoided because of bleeding risk and because imaging is usually conclusive.
Treatment options
- No treatment: The right choice for the great majority. Many doctors do not even repeat the scan once the diagnosis is certain.
- Interval imaging: A repeat scan after 6 to 12 months for large or atypical lesions to confirm that it is stable.
- Surgical removal: Enucleation or liver resection is considered only for clearly symptomatic giant lesions, rapid growth or real diagnostic doubt.
- Arterial embolisation: Blocking the feeding artery through a catheter can shrink a lesion or prepare it for surgery in selected cases.
When it is urgent
Rupture or bleeding is very rare. Sudden severe pain in the upper abdomen, faintness, a fast pulse or a swollen abdomen after an injury needs an emergency department near you immediately.
Travelling to Türkiye for treatment
Few people need to travel for a haemangioma. What a visit can offer is a contrast MRI read by a liver radiologist and a clear opinion on whether the lesion is typical, which often ends years of repeat scans and worry. If surgery has been proposed for a giant lesion, a second opinion before agreeing is sensible, because many operations for haemangioma are avoidable. Bring your previous images on disc, not only the reports.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it become cancer?
No. A haemangioma is benign and stays benign.
Can I take the contraceptive pill or become pregnant?
In most cases yes. Large lesions may be monitored with ultrasound during pregnancy, but problems are rare.
Should I avoid sport?
Ordinary exercise is fine. People with very large lesions near the liver surface are sometimes advised to avoid contact sports.
Why was mine found only now?
Because they cause no symptoms. They appear on scans done for other reasons.