Can a hemangioma also disappear by itself? | Hemangioma of the liver – Is it dangerous?

Can a hemangioma also disappear by itself?

The hemangioma of the liver is one of the benign tumors. Two factors play a major role in this: Firstly, the hemangioma rarely spreads, it does not react with the surrounding tissue and thus does not impair liver function. Secondly, most hemangiomas of the liver regress on their own over time.

Therefore, only in the rarest of cases is a therapy of the hemangioma necessary. Often a hemangioma of the liver is only discovered by chance. Follow-up examinations are then performed until the hemangioma has disappeared on its own.

What do you do if the hemangioma gets bigger?

A hemangioma usually does not need to be treated, since it is only a benign tumor. In most cases, the hemangioma does not pose any danger, as it does not impair the function of the liver. However, if the hemangioma becomes larger, there is a risk of rupture, i.e. the haemangioma ruptures and bleeds into the liver.

This can damage the liver cells or, in the case of particularly large hemangiomas of the liver, also lead to severe blood loss. In this case a therapy of the hemangioma can be considered. There are various methods for this: The hemangioma can be obliterated with chemical substances so that it is no longer supplied with blood. Alternatively, surgical removal of the hemangioma can be performed, but this is not a standard therapy for hemangioma of the liver.

What is a cavernous hemangioma?

The removal of a hemangioma is usually rarely necessary. From a size of more than 5 cm and unfavorable location, surgery should be considered. In case of diagnostic uncertainty, a sample collection may be useful, which is performed minimally invasive.

If the hemangioma constricts important structures in the liver, removal may also be necessary, for example to restore bile flow. In principle, a minimally invasive procedure of a so-called “open” surgery is always preferred, in which a larger incision is made in the upper abdomen. The decision is made by the surgeon after a conscientious examination of the patient’s constitution, the pre-operations and his general state of health. If bleeding occurs due to a tear in the liver hemangioma, surgery must be performed immediately.