What are liver masses?
Most liver masses are benign tumors. Although the great majority of malignant tumors are metastases that have spread to the liver from other organs, primary liver cancer is also seen at a considerable rate. Patients with advanced fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis B and C, and cirrhosis are particularly at risk.
What are the symptoms of liver masses?
They usually cause no symptoms and are discovered incidentally on imaging tests performed for other reasons. Particularly in cancer patients, the following may be seen:
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Weight loss,
- Abdominal pain,
- Fatigue,
- Jaundice and fever.
How are liver masses diagnosed?
Most liver masses are detected incidentally during tests performed for other reasons. For masses suspicious for cancer, the diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy.
How are liver masses treated?
Most benign masses are monitored. In patients diagnosed with cancer, the extent of the disease is investigated first. For patients who are suitable candidates for surgery, removal of the mass or a liver transplant may be planned. In addition, systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted ("smart") drugs, and/or local treatments that destroy the mass using heat, cold, alcohol injection, chemotherapeutic drugs or radioactive microspheres may also be used.
At İzmir Özel Can Hastanesi and Salihli Özel Can Hastanesi, liver masses are evaluated by specialist physicians in general surgery, gastroenterology and radiology who have extensive scientific knowledge, skill and experience in their fields, and the most appropriate treatment approaches are applied. Please contact us for information and appointments.
References
1-Jonathan M Schwartz et al. – https://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-adult-patient-with-an-incidental-solid-liver-lesion
2-Marrero JA, et al. Diagnosis, staging and management of hepatocellular carcinoma: 2018 practice guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology. 2018;68:723.
The information on our website is not intended to direct individuals to any treatment. Do not take any diagnostic or treatment steps without consulting your doctor. The content does not contain information about İzmir Can Hastanesi's therapeutic healthcare services.
