Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Serious?
What is a liver hemangioma and is it serious? I had two tumors in my liver, measuring 1 cm and 2 cm, respectively, confirmed by a CT scan as hepatic hemangiomas. My attending physician was very busy, so I couldn't quickly ascertain the severity of the condition, which caused...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Mrs. Huang, This is a common benign congenital liver tumor, and the principle is to follow up once a year. Most of the time, it does not change. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shih-Tien[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Are They Serious?
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: When to Consider Surgery
Hepatic hemangioma Hello, Doctor! In recent months, I have been diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma. The examination process during this time is as follows: 1. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels: In 2014, the AFP level was over 11; in August 2015, it was over 12; and in November 2015...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello, Miss: There is likely no need for concern; the fetal protein levels have only slightly increased, and their current significance may be minimal. There may be slight discrepancies in the ultrasound measurements. Please continue to monitor patiently. Changhua Hospital cares ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: When to Consider Surgery
Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Liver examination Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask you about my hepatic hemangioma measuring 0.8 cm. I want to know if I need to fast before undergoing an ultrasound examination of my liver for follow-up.
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: An abdominal ultrasound is typically performed fasting to observe the gallbladder and pancreas. However, if the focus is solely on the liver, it can be done without fasting. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Do You Need to Fast for Liver Ultrasound When Monitoring Hemangioma?
Understanding a 0.9 cm Liver Hemangioma: Concerns and Care
Suspected 0.9 cm hepatic hemangioma? Hello Dr. Chen: I recently went to a small hospital for a health check-up and found a suspected 0.9 cm hemangioma on my liver. They advised me to return to my primary care physician for follow-up in six months. I would like to ask you if this ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Lin, hepatic hemangiomas occur in about 1 in 10 individuals in the general population. They are quite common and usually do not change in size, so there is no need for concern. Just regular monitoring is sufficient. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Dr. Chen Shidia...[Read More] Understanding a 0.9 cm Liver Hemangioma: Concerns and Care
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Should You Seek a Second Opinion?
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Doctor: In February, I visited the emergency room due to discomfort and unexpectedly discovered a 4 cm hepatic hemangioma. Since I was unfamiliar with this condition and did not know any doctors, I randomly consulted a hepatobiliary specialist at a large ...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Isa, please rest assured. The CT scan is quite accurate, but it is essential to follow up on time. If you are still concerned, a fine needle aspiration biopsy can be performed for pathological examination. However, this is generally not necessary. Changhua Hospital cares ab...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Should You Seek a Second Opinion?
Understanding Unidentified Liver Tumors: Risks and Insights for Patients
A tumor of unclear origin on the surface of the liver? Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to ask about my father (61 years old). He recently underwent examinations and was diagnosed with fatty liver, and a 1.2 cm tumor was found on the surface of his liver. However, both ultrasound an...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: Based on the information above, there is a high possibility of a hepatic lipoma, hepatic cyst, or hepatic hemangioma. These are likely benign tumors, as they are often not spherical, which may result in some discrepancies when measured from different angles. It is recommen...[Read More] Understanding Unidentified Liver Tumors: Risks and Insights for Patients
Understanding Growing Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Treatment
Hemangioma that grows? Hello Dr. Chen, I undergo a health check-up approximately every two years, which includes an abdominal ultrasound. Over the past sixteen years, I have had about seven check-ups. Four years ago, I was first diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma measuring about...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Hello Ms. TATA: A small number of benign hemangiomas may still enlarge (possibly related to female hormones?). It may be considered to perform fine needle aspiration or core needle biopsy to confirm that the cells are normal, although there are some risks involved. Changhua Hospi...[Read More] Understanding Growing Liver Hemangiomas: When to Seek Treatment
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Hepatic hemangioma and fatty liver disease? During a health check-up, an ultrasound examination revealed a hepatic hemangioma. After consulting another clinic, the results showed four hemangiomas (approximately 1 cm each) and fatty liver (weight 50 kg). The doctor mentioned that ...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: If it is fatty liver and hemangioma, then indeed, follow up as indicated in <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/36394">#36394</a>. There are many causes of fatty liver, with common ones including obesity, high blood lipids (triglycerides), poorly cont...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas and Fatty Liver: What You Need to Know
Can a 1.5 cm Liver Hemangioma Be Treated or Shrink?
Hepatic hemangioma Can a 1.5 cm liver hemangioma be treated or shrink?
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, hepatic hemangiomas are mostly congenital and do not require treatment, as they rarely change in size. Clinical follow-up is sufficient. Best wishes, Dr. Chen Chih-Feng, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.[Read More] Can a 1.5 cm Liver Hemangioma Be Treated or Shrink?
Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health
What are the benefits of pearl grass? I have been a carrier of hepatitis B for over ten years and have regular blood tests and ultrasounds every year, all of which have returned normal results. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a hepatic hemangioma, but the doctor said it onl...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. For a hepatitis B carrier with currently normal liver function and no signs of cirrhosis, according to the current treatment guidelines, no antiviral medication is needed. It is important to protect the liver by avoiding excessive fatigue and being cautious with medic...[Read More] Understanding the Benefits of Pearl Grass for Liver Health
Understanding Colonoscopy: Pain Management and Allergy Concerns
Colonoscopy Hello Dr. Chen, thank you for your detailed explanation about hepatic hemangiomas previously. I would like to ask you another question. Due to long-term constipation, I have recently experienced rectal bleeding and fatigue, and I am about to undergo a colonoscopy. I h...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello: 1. In general hospitals, painless colonoscopy is performed in the operating room under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, while standard colonoscopy is conducted in the endoscopy suite. Therefore, it is necessary to make a decision in advance regarding the procedure...[Read More] Understanding Colonoscopy: Pain Management and Allergy Concerns
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Hepatic hemangioma Hello Dr. Chen, I had an abdominal ultrasound in 2003 that revealed a 1 cm hepatic hemangioma, which increased to 1.5 cm last year. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Besides abdominal ultrasound, should I also have blood tests for Hepatitis B, H...
Dr. Chen Qifeng Reply:
Hello, 1. Hepatic hemangiomas typically present differently on abdominal ultrasound compared to liver cancer. If there are concerns, testing for hepatitis B and C, as well as alpha-fetoprotein, is reasonable. Once it is confirmed that there is no hepatitis B or C, it is not nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Monitoring, Risks, and Insurance Implications
Understanding Liver Shadows: Are They Always a Cause for Concern?
There is a shadow in the liver? I would like to ask about my sister-in-law (27 years old). She recently had a health check-up at a medical center, and an ultrasound revealed a shadow approximately 2 cm in size. However, she does not have hepatitis B or C, and her liver function i...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Miss Xiao Qi, Most liver cancers are caused by hepatitis B or C. Ultrasound can provide an initial differentiation, but regular monitoring of changes is still necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your health. Sincerely, Chen Shidian[Read More] Understanding Liver Shadows: Are They Always a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Re-evaluating abnormal aminoacyl transferase levels? I apologize for asking you again about the abnormality of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Recently, during a health check at my company, my GGT level was found to be abnormal at 104. However, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) le...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Hello, 1. The hepatic hemangioma is 0.6 cm in size, which is small, but it requires monitoring. The ultrasound shows typical characteristics of the hemangioma. Due to the small size of the tumor, ultrasound is a better tool for follow-up. Generally, clinical guidelines recommen...[Read More] Understanding Elevated GGT Levels: Implications and Concerns
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Hepatic hemangioma My mother (60 years old) underwent a CT scan of the liver, which revealed two hepatic hemangiomas measuring 4.4 cm and 4.2 cm. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. What are the causes of hepatic hemangiomas? 2. Will they continue to grow? Is there a risk of ruptu...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
1. Hepatic hemangiomas are tumors formed by abnormal proliferation of blood vessels within the liver, with unknown etiology. Some are congenital, while others may be related to female hormones. 2. Hepatic hemangiomas grow very slowly, and may not increase in size at all. Genera...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Causes, Risks, and Management Tips
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Hepatic hemangioma If a tumor has been found on the liver and initial tests suggest it is a benign tumor (hemangioma), should I undergo further testing to confirm that it is indeed a hemangioma, or should I follow the doctor's recommendation to return for follow-up every thr...
Dr. Chen Shidian Reply:
Dear Ms. May, Hepatic hemangiomas are quite common, and physicians should have the experience to diagnose them. As long as you continue with regular follow-ups, if there are any changes, the physician will advise whether surgery is necessary. Changhua Hospital cares about your ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis, Monitoring, and Treatment Options
Understanding Hemangiomas: Risks, Dietary Considerations, and Management
Hemangioma Is there any harm in not removing a hemangioma? Should dietary considerations or other issues be taken into account?
Dr. Yuan Hongdao Reply:
Hello: If it is a hepatic hemangioma, generally no treatment is required, and it will not have any adverse effects. A diet similar to that of a normal person is acceptable. However, it is still recommended to have regular follow-ups, and if there are no changes, you can be reassu...[Read More] Understanding Hemangiomas: Risks, Dietary Considerations, and Management
Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?
What is a hyperrechoic nodule? Ultrasound examination revealed two hyperechoic nodules, one old (0.7 cm) and one newly detected (2 cm). AFP level is 2.6. A request was made for a CT scan, but the physician stated it was unnecessary and that monitoring is sufficient. Should I seek...
Dr. Li Zhengqi Reply:
A hyperechoic nodule refers to a finding on ultrasound examination that appears brighter than the surrounding liver parenchyma. The causes are numerous, including intrahepatic bile duct stones, vascular wall calcification, hepatic hemangiomas, and even early-stage liver tumors, a...[Read More] Understanding Hyperechoic Nodules: When to Seek Further Testing?
Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Distinction from Small Liver Cancers
Hepatic hemangioma Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between hepatic hemangiomas and small hepatocellular carcinoma found online, it has been mentioned that experienced physicians have a diagnostic accuracy of over 90% for hepatic hemangiomas. Could you please clarify if ty...
Dr. Lin Minghui Reply:
Reply: Hello, tumors can present with both typical and atypical features. Generally speaking, an experienced physician can identify typical changes of hemangiomas, which would make them more likely to be diagnosed as hemangiomas. However, hemangiomas also require monitoring over ...[Read More] Understanding Liver Hemangiomas: Diagnosis and Distinction from Small Liver Cancers
What to Do About a Liver Hemangioma: Health Considerations
What should be done about a hepatic hemangioma? Dear Dr. Hsu: During a recent health check-up, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a hepatic hemangioma, which was confirmed by a CT scan measuring 1.7 cm. An electrocardiogram also indicated the presence of sinus bradycardia. I would ...
Dr. Xu Jinchuan Reply:
Hello, Xiaomei! After examination, it has been confirmed that you have a hepatic hemangioma. A hepatic hemangioma is a benign tumor that does not affect liver function and does not transform into malignant tissue. Therefore, regular monitoring is sufficient, and no treatment is n...[Read More] What to Do About a Liver Hemangioma: Health Considerations