Benign Liver Tumours, Masses and Cysts

Benign Liver Tumours, Masses and Cysts

Benign Liver Tumors, Masses, and Cysts Understanding

In general, benign liver tumors, masses, and cysts are non-cancerous growths of the liver. While these usually are harmless and cannot be expected to create any serious health menace, yet symptoms may result and thus might necessitate medical intervention.

There are numerous types of benign tumors, masses, and cysts of the liver, each with its own characteristics and complications that may result. Identification of the type of liver growth is important for facilitating decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment by both the patient and the treating practitioner.

Types of Benign Liver Tumours, Masses, and Cysts

Following are some commonly identified forms of liver tumors, masses, and cysts that are usually benign:

• Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common varieties of benign liver tumors and are a tangle of blood vessels. Most hepatic hemangiomas do not have symptoms and are incidentally usually detected once tests are being done for imaging in other conditions.
• Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: This is a type of benign tumor where in the liver, there is abnormal growth of the liver's normal cells. It is usually incidentally diagnosed and does not require treatment unless symptomatic or with complications.
• Hepatic Adenomas: Hepatic adenomas are benign tumors that grow in the liver cells. They are more common in women of childbearing age and are often associated with the use of oral contraceptives.
• Liver Cysts: Liver cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may develop in the liver. Most liver cysts are noncancerous, producing no symptoms. However, large or multiple cysts may cause discomfort or complications.

Causes- Symptoms-Treatment Options

While the true causes of many benign liver tumors, masses, and cysts are not known, these growths sometimes occur in people with certain conditions: increasing risk due to genetics, hormonal changes, and liver disease.

Most of the benign liver tumors, masses, and cysts are asymptomatic and are incidentally discovered during imaging studies undertaken for various other indications unrelated to liver pathology. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice may be some of the symptoms related to benign liver tumors, masses, and cysts.

Treatment of benign liver tumors, masses, and cysts thus generally depends on the type of tumor and its size, as well as the presence or lack of symptoms and complications. Most therefore require no treatment but are often followed up regularly with imaging tests. Potential treatments for symptoms or complications, if they arise, may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.