Giant Liver Hemangiomas 12+cm Surgery or Not?

[Cathie777]

I was diagnoised (FINALLY!!!) with a giant liver hemangioma after 5yrs of going to the doctor. My GI doctor said to just continue monitoring it and it continued to grow just in the first 6 months from size of baseball to size of a melon. He said it was more dangerous to remove it, and to just leave it in. I looked at him kind of puzzled and asked, "Am I then just to live with these symptoms?" So he then said well maybe we should send you to a specialist who said the exact opposite. That it needs to be surgerically removed as obviously its growing and the longer I wait the more complicated the surgery will be. I could go into heart failure, and if I just let it go I might eventually need a liver transplant. Surgery- Chevron Incision 24"-30" straight down entire stomach and then all the way off to my right hip. Very invasive (and scary). Was told USC could do it less invasively.
Trying to find info from people who've had this surgery and what it was like and if it really did help?
Also interested in comparing others symptoms.
But I am confused, still being told different things.....that I should have the surgery, and that I should not, that its more dangerous. So when should someone have surgery for these giant hemangiomas???



This discussion is related to liver hemangiomas.

[Qaqo]

Hi dear mayito 79 plz tell in which country are you and plz say us about your result and how surgery do u do . . .thanks

[Cathie777]

I just got home from another Dr. appt. I just had a HIDA scan done of my gallbladder which showed it was functioning normal. But he said the pain I experienced during the second part, I forget what the second injection was toward the end?! Anyway I had severe pain, cold sweats and nasea with that. Which he said was not normal.

I was hoping the problems Ive been having were actually from my gallbladder and not my liver hemangioma. As the surgery is so much easier for a gallbladder.

Anyway, no I have not had any surgerys yet. I still feel awful and no definite answers.
I go in tomorrow for another MRI of my liver and a mass they found. Also more blood work for liver function as last time my levels were high.

So anyone who HAS had the surgery please let me know how it went and if you felt better for having the surgery. If it really made a difference in how you felt, etc.

[joefoster]

have you found anyone who has had a hemangioma removed successfully yet? Mine is the size of a softball in my sacrum and HURTS!!!

[riat]

I have had a giant liver hemangioma removed going on 3 years ago. It was done at University of Chicago hospital. I know that it was measuring in the 20 - 27cm's. After surgery I was told that it was 9 pounds (yes I looked pregnant). It was a painful recovery but so worth it!

[mayito79]

Riat my hemangioma is size 8 by 4  but i have burning pain  on and off , how was your pain and how long was the surgery my doctor tell me that i have to stay home for a month and take a easy for another month.....qapo a live in United States New Haven  Ct

[Qaqo]

Hi . Plz if be possible kindly explain (non-enhancing)liver hemangioma

[Qaqo]

Also plz tell me about focal non enhancing liver hemangioma . tnx