An atypical hemangioma of the liver, more commonly called a hepatic hemangioma, is a medical condition characterized by the appearance of a non-cancerous growth on the liver that is composed of dilated blood vessels. Treatment of an atypical hemangioma of the liver is dependent upon the size of the tumor. Small growths typically do not cause medical complications and remain untreated. Larger liver hemangiomas can cause significant problems and require more extensive treatment. When necessary, treatment options for atypical liver hemangiomas should be discussed with a doctor.
Hemangioma Removal
Surgical removal of the hemangioma from the liver is a potential treatment option for this type of atypical hemangiona, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. During this procedure, a surgeon cuts the hemangioma away from the liver, leaving the liver intact.
Liver Removal or Transplant
In certain cases, surgical removal of the liver hemangioma may require that a surgeon also remove a portion of a patient's liver. The size of the piece of liver removed by the surgeon depends upon the number, size and location of the tumors. Extensive hemangioma growth across the liver may lead to complete removal of the liver, MayoClinic.com warns. This surgical procedure is called a liver transplant and involves replacing the removed liver with a healthy liver from a donor.
Stopping Blood Flow to the Hemangioma
Medication can be used to treat an atypical hemangioma of the liver. This procedure is called arterial embolism and involves injecting a specific medication directly into the artery that supplies blood to the liver tumors. Alternatively, a surgeon can tie off this artery during a procedure called hepatic artery ligation, MedlinePlus explains. Either procedure prevents blood from reaching the liver tumor, which causes the hemangioma to either stop growing or progressively shrink. The remaining portions of healthy liver tissue remain active by receiving blood from other blood vessels.
Radiation
Radiation therapy utilizes high energy x-rays to kill cells in the body. A radiologist can direct the radiation specifically to the site of the liver hemangioma. This form of treatment destroys the cells in the liver tumor, which prevents the hemangioma from increasing in size and may encourage shrinkage of the tumor.
