Liver tumor: what it is, symptoms and how treatment is done

The liver tumor is characterized by the presence of a mass in this organ, but this is not always a sign of cancer. Liver masses are relatively common in men and women and can mean hemangioma or hepatocellular adenoma, which are benign tumors. However, although they are not cancer they can cause enlargement of the liver or hepatic bleeding.

Treatment depends on the symptoms presented by the person and the severity of the tumor, and may be indicated by the doctor only by observing the evolution of the tumor and the symptoms or surgery to remove the tumor or part of the liver. The liver tumor can be cured if it is identified early and treated according to medical advice.

What can be a tumor in the liver

Tumors in the liver can be benign or malignant. Benigns do not spread to another region of the body, pose no health risk and can be:

• Hemangioma: it is the most common benign liver tumor and corresponds to a small nodule formed by a tangle of blood vessels that do not cause symptoms. Know what hemangioma is and when it can be severe.
• Focal nodular hyperplasia: the cause of this benign tumor is not well understood, however it may be related to changes in blood flow.
• Hepatic adenoma: it is more common in women between 20 and 50 years of age and is most often caused by prolonged use of oral contraceptives. See how the diagnosis of liver adenoma and possible complications is made.

Malignant tumors cause symptoms and are most often the result of metastasis from bowel cancer, for example. The main malignant tumors of the liver are:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatocarcinoma: it is the most common type of primary cancer of the liver, it is more aggressive and originates in the cells that form the liver, the hepatocytes;
• Angiosarcoma of the liver: is the tumor of the cells that line the wall of blood vessels present in the liver and happens due to exposure to toxic substances, such as vinyl chloride;
• Cholangiocarcinoma: is a type of tumor that originates in the bile ducts and usually occurs in people between 60 and 70 years old;
• Hepatoblastoma: it is a rare type of tumor in the liver, usually occurs in children under 3 years old and stimulates the production of the hormone (hCG), which accelerates the puberty process, inducing an early puberty.

People who have fat in their liver, have liver cirrhosis or use anabolic steroids are more at risk of developing a malignant tumor in their liver. Know how to identify the signs of liver cancer.

Signs and symptoms of liver tumor

Benign liver tumors usually do not cause symptoms and are usually only found on a routine examination. The malignant ones, on the other hand, have some symptoms such as:

• Presence of abdominal mass;
• Abdominal pain or discomfort;
• Bleeding in the liver;
• Weight loss;
• Swollen belly;
• Malaise;
• Yellow skin and eyes.

As soon as the symptoms are identified, the general practitioner or hepatologist can request the performance of some diagnostic imaging exams, such as ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, it may be necessary to perform a biopsy to make the diagnosis.

In the case of benign tumors, these tests are usually requested to investigate any other condition that is not related to the liver. Blood tests in most cases do not indicate the occurrence of these types of tumors, as in general liver functions remain normal or slightly elevated.

How the treatment is done

Treatment for a liver tumor depends on many factors, but it can include radiation exposure and sometimes surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor or the compromised part of the liver. The use of drugs for liver tumors is often not indicated, as part of the drug's metabolization process is carried out in the liver and when this organ is compromised there may be no correct metabolization of the drug or it may cause further damage to the organ. It is important to seek guidance from the general practitioner or hepatologist for more precise guidance in relation to treatment.

Liver tumor surgery

Liver tumor surgery requires general anesthesia and the individual must remain in the hospital for a few days or weeks. Depending on the type of tumor and its severity, the doctor may choose not to perform the surgery.

In some cases, the doctor may choose not to move the tumor or the liver, but to observe the evolution of the tumor and decide to perform surgical intervention when the tumor may compromise the functioning of the organ. Thus, the doctor can choose to remove the tumor or part of the liver to resolve the patient's clinical condition.

Is liver tumor curable?

The liver tumor can be cured when the disease is discovered early and is properly treated. The indication of radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery will depend on the state of the tumor, whether it is advanced or not and on the person's general health.

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