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Hepatic hemangioma

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Liver hemangioma; Hemangioma of the liver; Cavernous hepatic hemangioma; Infantile hemangioendothelioma; Multinodular hepatic hemangiomatosis

Treatment:

Most cavernous hepatic hemangiomas are treated only if there is persistent pain.

Treatment for infantile hemangioendothelioma depends on the child's growth and development. The following treatments may be needed:

• Medications for heart failure
• Embolization of the liver
• Ligation of the liver artery
• Surgery to remove the tumor

Expectations (prognosis):

In infants whose tumor is only in one lobe of the liver, surgery is a cure, even if the child has heart failure.

Complications:

Pregnancy and estrogen-based medications can cause cavernous hemangiomas to grow.

References:

Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2002:1592-1594.

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine , 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2005: 562.

• Review Date: 9/6/2005
• Reviewed By: Joseph P. Hart, M.D., Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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