What is hepatic hemangioma

Hepatic hemangioma is a benign tumor originating in the liver, the most common of which is hepatic cavernous hemangioma, most commonly seen in middle-aged women. It is a mass-like structure formed by a large number of arteriovenous malformations in the liver, similar to the shape of a sponge, which appears swollen and highly tense when filled with blood, and very small if the blood is blocked, as if the sponge is filled with water and the water is squeezed out. Hepatic hemangiomas contain a large number of arteriovenous malformations, which are actually tumorigenic lesions formed by blood vessels and are usually relatively small if there is no corresponding substantial vascular tissue. Hepatic hemangiomas are usually not cancerous and grow slowly. The vast majority of hemangiomas are relatively small, under 2 cm in size, and most of them are solitary; only a few of them can be multiple cases, and they usually grow slowly during the review and follow-up. For smaller hemangiomas, those less than 5 cm need to be reviewed and followed up regularly, once every six months to a year. Hepatobiliary ultrasound can be used to assess the current size of the hemangioma and the growth rate. If the hemangioma exceeds 5 cm and has corresponding compression symptoms, or if the tumor is larger than 10 cm and located at the edge of the liver, there is a risk of traumatic rupture and bleeding, in which case surgical treatment should be considered even if there are no symptoms. In addition, interventional treatment can be performed, which can embolize the blood vessels of the hemangioma and control its growth. Both treatment options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be made accordingly according to the specific situation. The prognosis for hepatic hemangiomas is good, and relatively small asymptomatic hemangiomas do not require special treatment. Only some symptomatic or large hemangiomas need to be treated. The main thing is to avoid alcohol and tobacco stimulation, to eat regularly, to exercise moderately, and to avoid excessive intake of fatty foods. Avoid estrogen, such as oral contraceptives or oral estrogen drugs, which may lead to the enlargement of hemangioma.