Causes and risk factors
The exact cause as why the blood vessels tangle to form a growth is still not clear. Research is still going on in this field. They are small tumor like growth present on surface or inside the liver. Studies have revealed that women who are on hormonal therapy for estrogen rise are at more risk for developing liver hemangiomas. Although not clear, it can also be a congenital defect also.
Clinical presentation:
Most of the cases the hemangiomas are asymptomatic. While in some cases the liver is enlarged and hence an abdominal mass is felt. The patient may experience pain in the upper right abdomen and they often complain of early satiety along with loss of appetite. Nausea and vomiting are the other complaint seen. Liver hemangiomas can lead to some complications during pregnancy. Estrogen therapy in women who has a history of liver hemangioma possesses a risk for the hemangiomas to grow in size. Some hemangiomas can rupture and lead to hemorrhages thus hampering the function of the liver.
Investigations:
Most of the time the hepatic hemagiaomas are often accidentally detected as they do not pose any complaints. While in others who present with complaints diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination is carried out by the doctor. Investigations like ultrasonography of the abdomen, MRI or CT scan are diagnostic. Other routine investigations like routine blood and urine, liver function tests etc are also recommended.
Treatment:
In cases where the hemanigomas are small and do not pose any health issue, no treatment is needed in such cases. Regular monitoring is however essential. Where there occurs significant damage to the liver surgery is recommended. As the active blood supply helps the hemangioma to increase in size, hepatic artery ligation or hepatic embolization is done. In rare cases radiation treatment to shrink the mass or liver transplantation can be done.
Other modes of treatment:
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating the complaints. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in combating the sufferings.
