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Types of Non-cancerous Liver Tumors
Noncancerous (benign) tumors are quite common and are usually without symptoms. Often they are not diagnosed until an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI is performed. There are several types of benign tumors, including:
Hemangioma: This type of benign tumor is the most common tumor found in the liver. They are 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.
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia: Are benign tumors that occur primarily in women of age 20-30 years old. They are the second most common tumors of the liver after hemangiomas. They usually present as a single mass and have no malignant potential. Treatment is usually performed for patients because of symptoms or size.
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.
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