Hepatic hemangioma: what is it, symptoms and diet

Hepatic hemangioma is a small nodule formed by a network of blood vessels that is generally benign, not progressing to cancer or causing symptoms. The causes of hepatic hemangioma are not known, however, this problem is more common in women between 30 and 50 years who have been embarrassed about hormone replacement therapy.

Generally, hepatic hemangioma is not serious, being discovered during diagnostic exams to other problems such as abdominal ultrasound or a computerized tomography.

In the majority of cases, the hemangioma does not need treatment, disappearing by itself and without representing a threat to the health of the patient. However, there are situations in which the risk of bleeding can grow a lot, which can be dangerous and for this reason the hepatologist may indicate a surgery.

main symptoms

As a general rule, hepatic hemangioma is asymptomatic, however, when a size greater than 5 cm in diameter may appear some signs and symptoms such as:

• Pain or discomfort on the right side of the abdomen;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Abdominal distention;
• Sensation of satiety after eating little food;
• Loss of appetite.

In case of symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor to carry out an evaluation. The exams and the analysis of the hepatologist observed if there is no need to carry out any treatment or just keep it under observation, in addition to ruling out that the nodule is not a cancer in the liver.

Know what are the signs and symptoms that could indicate cancer in the liver.

How is the diagnosis performed?

Hepatic hemangioma is detected through imaging exams of the abdomen such as ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

These exams are also useful to differentiate hemangioma from other types of liver lesions such as: malignant tumors or cysts in the liver. Learn more about the main types of cysts in the liver.

How is hepatic hemangioma treated?

The treatment for hemangioma in the liver must be guided by a hepatologist, but it is usually only performed when the patient presents symptoms such as abdominal pain or constant vomiting, when there are doubts that the hemangioma could be a malignant tumor or when there is risk of rupture of vases that can cause a sacred.

Usually the most used treatment for hemangioma in the liver is the surgery for the extirpation of the nodule or the affected part of the liver, without embargo, in the most severe cases it may be necessary to perform radiotherapy or a liver transplant.

When the patient does not need treatment for hemangioma in the liver, it is recommended to check it at least once a year with the hepatologist.

Diet for hepatic hemangioma

Hepatic hemangioma does not have a specific dietary management, however, if you can maintain some precautions that allow maintaining the health of the liver, these include:

• Avoid consumption of foods rich in fatssuch as sausages, salsas, cubes for seasoning foods, fried foods, fast foods, butter, butter, margarine, lasagna, nuggets, porridge and frozen pizza;
• Avoid excessive consumption of foods rich in sugars, such as galletas, pasteles, ponquecitos, soft drinks and pasteurized juices;
• Include 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in the daily dietas they are rich in fibers and antioxidants that favor the health of the liver;
• Increase consumption of fiber-rich foodssuch as wholegrain cereals, es decir, rice, pasta and wholemeal bread, for example;
• Prefer the consumption of fish and white meats como el pavo and pollo sin piel;
• Avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages;
• Consuming skimmed dairynatural yoghurts and quesos blancos low in grease;
• Increase the consumption of water, due to ingest between 2 to 2.5 L per day approximately;
• Decrease the consumption of salt, being able to substitute it for the use of aromatic herbs to season the foods.

The ideal is to go to a nutritionist if you want a nutritional plan adapted to your needs, especially if you have any other associated illness. See more details on how to clean the liver to keep it healthy.