Introduction
Reviewed By Doctor
Dr. Sapna Kangotra
Dr. Meenu Kaushik
Dr. Megha Rathi
Dr. Nishant Bhardwaj
Dr. Ayush
Liver Lesions
Benign liver lesions are non-cancerous lumps or growths in the liver. These are fairly common and are often discovered incidentally during scans done for other reasons. Most benign liver lesions are harmless, don’t spread to other parts of the body, and typically don’t require treatment. However, doctors will always investigate to ensure that the growth isn’t cancerous.
Key Points about Liver Lesions
- Liver lesions refer to any type of growth in the liver. They might not present any noticeable symptoms and, in most cases, don’t need medical treatment.
- Benign liver lesions may be present from birth or develop as people age.
- Research suggests that around one in three individuals over the age of 40 may have some form of liver lesion.
Types of Liver Lesions
There are different types of benign liver lesions, some of which include:
Benign Solid Growths
Solid growths in the liver that are not cancerous. These types of growths generally don’t spread or become cancerous. They are commonly discovered during scans conducted for other health concerns.
- Haemangioma
A haemangioma is a growth composed of abnormal blood vessels. Though usually not large, they can sometimes grow up to 5 cm or more. These are very common and affect about 1 in 20 people. Most of the time, they don’t require treatment, but if they are large and put pressure on surrounding blood vessels, removal may be necessary. - Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH)
FNH is a small lump, typically between 3 to 5 cm, formed due to the overgrowth of liver cells around an abnormal artery. It is more common in women aged 15 to 50 and generally does not pose any risk of rupture or cancer. It’s not thought to be related to hormones, though sometimes multiple FNHs may develop in the liver. - Adenoma
An adenoma is an abnormal growth of liver cells. These lumps can grow large, up to 15 cm, and in some cases, they may burst, which is why removal is often necessary. Certain factors such as hormonal treatments (e.g., birth control pills), anabolic steroids, and obesity are linked to the development of liver adenomas. In men, adenomas have a higher risk of turning cancerous, so surgery is usually recommended in such cases.
Liver Cysts
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the liver. They vary in size from small to very large.
- Simple Liver Cyst
These cysts are common and might be present from birth or develop later in life. They usually don’t cause problems or become cancerous, but if they grow large, they may cause discomfort or obstruct the bile duct. In such cases, they can be drained. - Polycystic Liver Disease
This is a rare inherited condition where numerous cysts form in the liver, often alongside cysts in the kidneys. The cysts may look like clusters of grapes and, while they typically do not affect liver function, they can cause discomfort. In rare cases, treatment like medication or surgery may be required. - Choledochal Cysts
These cysts develop in the bile ducts and are most common in children. They can sometimes go unnoticed until adulthood and may cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), inflammation of the pancreas or gallbladder, or liver damage. In rare cases, they can lead to a type of cancer known as cholangiocarcinoma. Surgical removal of the cysts is often needed. - Hydatid Cysts
Hydatid disease is rare and caused by tapeworm infections, typically contracted from consuming food contaminated by dog feces. These cysts can develop in the liver and other organs and may cause a range of symptoms, including allergic reactions or blocking blood flow. Treatment usually involves medications or surgery to remove the cysts.
Causes of Liver Lesions
Liver lesions are abnormal growths or areas of damaged tissue in the liver. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and their causes vary based on the type of lesion. Here are the primary causes:
Benign Liver Lesions (Non-Cancerous):
Hepatic Hemangioma: Caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels, often congenital (present from birth).
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH): Believed to be due to an abnormal blood supply in the liver.
Hepatic Adenoma: Linked to hormonal influences, especially long-term use of oral contraceptives or anabolic steroids.
Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that may be congenital or develop due to parasitic infections like echinococcosis.
Malignant Liver Lesions (Cancerous):
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Often caused by chronic liver disease, including:
Hepatitis B and C infections
Cirrhosis (due to alcohol use, fatty liver disease, or autoimmune hepatitis)
Long-term exposure to aflatoxins (toxins from mold-contaminated foods)
Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer): Linked to chronic inflammation of the bile ducts, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and liver fluke infections.
Liver Metastases: Cancer that spreads to the liver from other organs, commonly from the colon, pancreas, breast, or lung.
Infectious and Inflammatory Causes:
Liver Abscess: Caused by bacterial, parasitic (e.g., amebiasis), or fungal infections.
Granulomas: Result from chronic infections like tuberculosis or sarcoidosis.
Other Causes:
Trauma: Injury to the liver can cause hematomas (blood collections) or scarring.
Genetic Conditions: Conditions like polycystic liver disease or hereditary hemochromatosis can cause liver abnormalities.
Symptoms of Liver Lesions
Most benign liver lesions do not produce any noticeable symptoms. Many individuals discover they have them after an ultrasound or another scan. However, if symptoms are present, they might include:
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Enlarged liver or spleen
- Feeling weak or fatigued
Diagnosis of Liver Lesions
If your doctor suspects a liver problem, they will likely recommend blood tests to check for signs of liver enlargement, the presence of certain proteins, and how well the liver is functioning. Additionally, imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans may be ordered to create detailed pictures of the liver and identify whether a lesion is benign or possibly cancerous.
A biopsy may be conducted if there is a concern that the lesion could be a form of liver cancer (such as hepatocellular carcinoma). People at higher risk for liver cancer include those with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or hemochromatosis. Obesity is also a risk factor. In some cases, an operation to remove the lesion might be necessary if cancer is suspected.
Treatment of Liver Lesions
Most benign liver lesions don’t require any treatment. However, if the lesions grow large or pose a risk of rupturing, surgery may be recommended. Additionally, surgery may be needed if there’s concern about cancer or if there is a higher risk of cancer in the future.
FAQs
Can benign liver lesions turn into cancer?
No, benign liver lesions do not turn into cancer. However, in some cases, certain types of lesions, like adenomas, may carry a higher risk of becoming cancerous, especially in men. Regular monitoring is often recommended.
How do I know if I have a benign liver lesion?
Most people don’t experience symptoms, and liver lesions are often discovered incidentally through imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs conducted for other reasons.
Should I be worried if I have a benign liver lesion?
In most cases, benign liver lesions are not harmful and don’t require treatment. However, if your lesion grows large, causes symptoms, or if there’s a risk of it becoming cancerous, your doctor may recommend further tests or surgery.
Can benign liver lesions be prevented?
There’s no clear way to prevent benign liver lesions, but avoiding known risk factors (such as excessive use of anabolic steroids or oral contraceptives) may help reduce the likelihood of developing certain types of lesions.
Will I need surgery for a benign liver lesion?
Surgery is not always necessary. Most benign liver lesions don’t require treatment. However, if the lesion grows large, causes symptoms, or is at risk of rupturing, surgery may be recommended. Your doctor will provide advice based on the specifics of your case.
Why Did I Get Liver Lesions?
In many cases, the cause of benign liver lesions is unknown. However, certain types of lesions, such as liver adenomas, can be linked to specific factors like hormonal treatments (birth control or anabolic steroids) and obesity. Genetics may also play a role, especially in conditions like polycystic liver disease.
Conclusion
Liver lesions can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from harmless benign growths to serious malignant tumors. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and monitoring strategy. While many liver lesions are benign and require minimal intervention, others—especially malignant lesions—may need aggressive treatment and ongoing care. Regular health check-ups, imaging studies, and blood tests play a crucial role in early detection and improving outcomes. If you experience symptoms or have risk factors associated with liver lesions, consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and personalized management.
References
- American Cancer Society. (2024). Liver Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2023). Liver Lesions and Liver Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Benign Liver Tumors. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Liver Diseases and Cancer Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
- European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). (2023). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Liver Lesions.
Reviews By Doctor
Dr. Sapna Kangotra
Dr. Meenu Kaushik
Dr. Megha Rathi
Dr. Nishant Bhardwaj
