Liver Disease

Liver Tumors

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What is a tumor?

Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells begin to reproduce at an increased rate. The liver can grow both noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors.

What are noncancerous liver tumors?

Noncancerous (benign) tumors are quite common and usually symptom-free. Often they are not diagnosed until an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI is performed. There are several types of benign tumors, including:

Hepatocellular Adenoma - This benign tumor occurs most often in women of childbearing age. Most of these tumors remain undetected. Sometimes an adenoma will rupture and bleed into the abdominal cavity, requiring surgery. Rarely does an adenoma turn cancerous.
Hemangioma - This type of benign tumor is a mass of abnormal blood vessels. Up to five percent of adults have small liver hemangiomas that cause no symptoms. Treatment is usually not required. Sometimes infants with large liver hemangiomas require surgery to prevent clotting and heart failure.

This page was last updated on: February 6, 2008.

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