Hemangioma diagnosis

[momof3148]

Hello Doctor,
I am a 38 year old female. Recently I had a CT chest Angio with IV contrast that revealed: "a small, low attenuation lesion is seen within segment seven of the liver demonstrating a small peripheral large." The radiolgist's impression was: "Low attenuation lesion within segment seven of the liver with peripheral enhancement. This is consistent with a hemangioma. No further workup is recommended unless the patient has a history of chronic liver disease or known maligancy."  What scares me is that I have been a heavy alcohol user for 5 years. I have recently stopped drinking. My recent lab work is: AST 13, ALT 12, Alkaline Phosphatase 64, Albumin/Globulin 1.3, WBC 6.0 and RBC 5.05. My doctor concurred that no further tests are needed. My question is how accurate is the hemangioma dx? Can this psossibly be cancer? Should it be watched at least? Should any additional tests be performed or do you agree with this dx?  Thank you for your help .

[kaety]

I had been diagnosed with a gigangious hemagioma (2) in my liver 3 years ago. Never had any pain and have had two follow up MRI's. Although recently I had been told by a Dr to go on a certain birth control pill dispite the labs and all results I had given him about my hemagioma. I started having strange symptoms and then read the papers in the birth control package. It said warning do not take if you have any liver tumors including benign or not. I then called the Dr and told him all of this. At the time I had been on it for 1 mo.He said stop immediatly and get MRI. He never has sent me the lab work and I keep calling. This was two mo. ago. My concern is the last several days I have not been able to sleep at night because the pain is so bad. It is in my right side back under shoulder blade and front just under breast bone. It is starting to hurt during the day today. I went to the Dr and they said not my liver they are not worried about that but gallblader is a possible thing so want a ct scan in a few days. Why is no one concerned about the liver hemagioma? I am. Can you put my mind to rest?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Most cases of hemangiomas are managed conservatively and can be observed.

The liver enzymes are low, and I agree that no further tests are required.

If the liver tests rise, or if there is increasing discomfort, you can consider an MRI.

Liver cancer is less likely given the CT scan results.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com