Liver tumors, abnormal growths of cells within the liver, are a common concern, and not all such growths are cancerous. Benign, or non-cancerous, liver tumors are frequently encountered and generally do not spread to other parts of the body. While any tumor can be unsettling, benign liver tumors pose a significantly lower health risk compared to their malignant counterparts.
Understanding the Difference
The distinction between benign and malignant liver tumors lies in their fundamental characteristics and behavior. Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues. They grow slowly, if at all, and remain confined to the liver. Cells within benign tumors generally resemble normal liver cells, maintaining an organized structure.
In contrast, malignant liver tumors, which are cancerous, exhibit uncontrolled, rapid growth. These tumors invade nearby tissues and structures. They can also metastasize, spreading to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, forming new tumors. Malignant cells appear abnormal under a microscope, differing significantly from healthy cells.
Common Benign Liver Tumors
Several types of benign liver tumors are recognized, each with distinct features. Hemangiomas are the most common type, consisting of a tangle of abnormal blood vessels. These growths are often small, do not cause symptoms, and rarely require treatment. Up to 5% of adults may have small hemangiomas, with women more commonly affected.
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) is the second most common type. FNH is characterized by a mass of abnormal liver cells, often containing a central scar. FNH is thought to be a hyperplastic response to an abnormal arterial blood supply within the liver. These tumors remain asymptomatic and have no potential to become cancerous.
Hepatic adenomas are less common benign liver tumors originating from liver cells. They are more frequently observed in women of childbearing age and linked to oral contraceptives, particularly those with higher estrogen doses. While many hepatic adenomas do not cause symptoms, they can grow large and carry a risk of rupture, bleeding, or transformation into a malignant tumor.
Diagnosing and Managing Benign Tumors
Benign liver tumors are frequently discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for other conditions. Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used to identify these growths. For many benign lesions, imaging alone can be sufficient for diagnosis. If imaging results are unclear or if there is concern about the tumor’s nature, a liver biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Many benign liver tumors do not require active treatment and are simply monitored over time. This monitoring involves periodic imaging to track the tumor’s size and characteristics. Intervention might be considered if the tumor causes symptoms, grows significantly large, or if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis. Surgical removal is a common approach for symptomatic or large tumors, or for hepatic adenomas due to their potential risks.