14628 Liver Lesions

Overview

A liver lesion is an area of abnormal tissue or a growth in the liver. Most liver lesions are benign, meaning they are not cancer, and many do not cause any symptoms or health problems.

Yes, liver lesions are fairly common, especially as people get older. They are often discovered during routine imaging tests.

Anyone can develop a liver lesion, but they are more common in adults. Certain types are more likely in people who have liver disease, heavy alcohol use, or other health conditions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Many liver lesions cause no symptoms at all.
• If symptoms do occur, they may include a dull ache or pain in the upper right side of the belly.
• Sometimes you may feel full after eating only a small amount.

Symptoms in children

• Liver lesions in children are usually benign and often do not cause symptoms. If symptoms occur, they can include a swollen belly, feeding problems, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, liver lesions may be related to other conditions, such as liver cysts or hemangiomas (clusters of blood vessels). Most still cause no symptoms. If a lesion is large or growing, it may cause discomfort or press on nearby organs.

Causes

Main causes

• Most liver lesions are benign, such as hemangiomas (clusters of blood vessels), focal nodular hyperplasia, or simple cysts.
• Some lesions are caused by liver disease, such as fatty liver disease, or by an infection like an abscess.
• A small number of liver lesions are cancerous, either starting in the liver or spreading from cancer elsewhere in the body.

Risk factors

• Age (being older).
• Having chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C.
• Heavy alcohol use.
• A history of cancer elsewhere in the body.
• Certain genetic conditions (rare).

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor promptly if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, have persistent fever with abdominal pain, or feel a lump or swelling in your belly.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have been told you have a liver lesion, or you have risk factors for liver disease, it is worth talking to a healthcare provider for advice. Even with no symptoms, you may need a check-up to understand your overall liver health.

Diagnosis

Liver lesions are usually found using imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These tests create pictures of your liver and help your doctor determine the size, shape, and nature of the lesion.

Tests that may be done

• Imaging tests: ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
• Blood tests to check liver function and look for signs of infection or disease.
• Sometimes a biopsy, where a small sample of liver tissue is taken with a fine needle for testing, may be recommended if there is uncertainty.

What to expect at your appointment

If you have a liver lesion, your doctor will discuss the findings with you. You may need further scans over time, or you may be told no further action is needed. Ask questions and make sure you understand what the lesion is and what it means for you.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type, size, and cause of the lesion, as well as your symptoms and overall health. Many benign lesions do not need any treatment and are simply watched over time. If the lesion is causing symptoms, is large, or is thought to be cancerous, treatment options are discussed with you.

Self-care at home

• Keep all follow-up appointments for scans or blood tests.
• Maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet.
• Limit alcohol intake, or avoid it if your doctor advises.
• Tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.

Medical treatments

For certain lesions, a doctor may recommend procedures to remove or shrink the lesion, such as targeted therapies, radiation, or surgery. If an infection is the cause, medication to treat the infection may be used. Your healthcare team will explain the best approach for your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered if the lesion is large, causing pain, or has a risk of becoming cancer. The decision to have surgery is made with your surgeon after careful review of your scans, health, and personal preferences.

Living with this condition

For most people, liver lesions do not affect daily life. If you have a lesion that needs monitoring, you can live normally while having regular check-ups.

Lifestyle tips

• If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor about how much is safe for you. Many people with liver lesions are advised to limit alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight to keep your liver healthy.
• Stay active and follow a balanced diet.
• Avoid smoking, as it can affect liver health.

Diet and exercise

Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed foods, sugar, and excess salt. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, but start slowly if you are not used to it.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Hearing that you have a liver lesion can be worrying. Most liver lesions are not cancer, but the tests and follow-up can still feel stressful. It is normal to feel anxious or uncertain. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns and ask for support if you need it.

Prevention

Many liver lesions cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk of liver disease by limiting alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, and protecting yourself against hepatitis B and C.

Vaccines

For liver health, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for some people. Talk to your doctor about whether this vaccination is appropriate for you. There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, but effective treatments exist.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for liver lesions for the general public. If you have a higher risk of liver disease, your doctor may recommend regular ultrasound or blood tests to check your liver health.

Complications

If left untreated

• A benign liver lesion usually does not cause problems if left untreated. However, some lesions may grow, cause bleeding, or become painful.
• If a lesion is cancerous, not treating it may allow the cancer to grow or spread.
• Rarely, a large benign lesion can rupture (tear open) and cause internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for liver lesions is generally very good. Most are benign and do not require any treatment. Even for more serious lesions, there are many effective and evolving treatment options, and people can live well with support from their healthcare team.

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