Benign (Non-Cancerous) Liver Tumour Treatment in Delhi, India

A benign liver tumour refers to a non-cancerous growth that develops in the liver. Benign liver tumours can be classified into various types, including hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, and adenomas. 

Speciality

Gastroenterology

Associated Anatomy

Liver

Types of Benign Liver Tumours

There are many types of benign liver tumours, including:

• Hepatocellular adenoma- A type of benign liver tumour that develops from liver cells. These tumours are typically associated with the use of oral contraceptives or anabolic steroids.
• Focal nodular hyperplasia- A non-cancerous growth that consists of overgrown liver cells and blood vessels. This tumour is often detected incidentally during imaging studies and is typically asymptomatic.
• Hemangioma- A benign tumour that consists of an abnormal cluster of blood vessels. Hemangiomas are the most common type of liver tumour, and they are typically small and do not require treatment.
• Cysts- Fluid-filled sacs that can form in the liver. Most liver cysts are asymptomatic and do not require treatment.

Symptoms of Benign Liver Tumour

Many people with benign liver tumours do not experience any symptoms, and the growths are discovered incidentally during imaging for other conditions. In some cases, benign liver tumours can cause: 

• Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
• Fullness or bloating
• A palpable mass that can be felt through the skin.

Causes of Benign Liver Tumour

The exact cause of benign liver tumours is unknown, but they are believed to be related to hormonal imbalances, genetics, and liver disease.

Risk Factors of Benign Liver Tumour

Risk factors for developing benign liver tumours include:

• Being female
• Being overweight or obese
• Hormonal imbalances
• Exposure to certain toxins
• Certain medical conditions include oral contraceptive use, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis.

Complications of Benign Liver Tumour

While benign liver tumours are non-cancerous, they can cause complications if they grow large enough to cause discomfort or pain or start pressing on other organs. In rare cases, benign liver tumours can also become malignant.

Diagnosis of Benign Liver Tumour

The doctor takes the patient's and their family's medical history. Benign liver tumours are typically diagnosed through:

• Imaging studies, like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. 
• Sometimes, a biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Benign Liver Tumour Treatment Options

Treatment options for benign liver tumours depend on the location, size and symptoms of the growth. In many cases, no treatment is necessary, and regular monitoring is recommended. If the tumour is causing symptoms or complications, surgery to remove the tumour may be recommended.

Prevention of Benign Liver Tumour

There is no known way to prevent benign liver tumours, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding exposure to toxins, and avoiding certain hormonal imbalances, can reduce the risk of developing growth.

Prognosis for Benign Liver Tumour

The prognosis for benign liver tumours is generally good, as the growths are non-cancerous and do not spread to other body parts. In most cases, people with benign liver tumours can lead healthy lives with the right management and monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do benign liver tumours need to be removed?

Benign liver tumours do not typically spread to other parts of the body and are not considered cancerous. However, in some cases, they may still need to be removed if they are causing symptoms or if they are at risk of becoming cancerous. The decision to remove a benign liver tumour depends on the size and location, the individual's overall health, and the presence of underlying medical conditions.

How long can you live with a tumour on your liver?

The prognosis for individuals with a benign liver tumour will depend on several factors, including the size, location and type of the tumour, the individual's overall health, and the presence of underlying medical conditions. In some cases, a benign liver tumour may not cause any symptoms or complications and may not affect lifespan. However, in others, the tumour may cause serious health problems and may need to be surgically removed.

Can benign tumours cause fatigue?

Fatigue can be a symptom of many different health conditions, including liver tumours. However, it is not a specific symptom of benign liver tumours. If an individual is experiencing fatigue, it is important to speak with a doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Can a benign liver tumour grow?

Yes, benign liver tumours can grow. In some cases, benign liver tumours may grow slowly over time and cause no symptoms. In others, they may grow quickly and cause serious health problems. It is important to have regular checkups to ensure that they are not causing any health problems and are not at risk of becoming cancerous.

Review 

Reviewed by Gastro Team on 7th May 2024.