Liver tumors

• Dr. Paari Vijayaragavan
• 02 March

Noncancerous (benign) tumors are quite common and usually do not produce symptoms. These benign tumors are often discovered incidentally on an ultrasound done as part of a medical check up or for symptoms which are due to something else. They usually do not need any treatment. The common types of benign liver tumors are:

1.Hemangioma: this is not exactly a tumor but is a mass of abnormal blood vessels. Treatment is usually not required. Diagnosis is usually for reassurance. Rarely if they cause symptoms they may need surgery to remove them.

2. Hepatocellular adenoma. This benign tumor is linked to the use of certain hormonal drugs. This tumor has a small risk of developing into cancer and also can rupture and bleed, especially in pregnant women. This tumor is best removed by surgery on diagnosis.

Cancerous liver tumors:

Cancerous (malignant) tumors in the liver have either originated in the liver (primary liver cancer) or spread from cancer sites elsewhere in the body (metastatic liver cancer).

Risk factors for liver cancer:

Hepatitis B and C infection, and any cirrhosis due to any cause are the important risk factors for liver cancer.