Hepatic hemangioma: a review

Hemangioma is a common hepatic lesion. The incidence is reported to be around 2%. The etiology of these lesions is unclear. Hemangioma should be regarded as benign with distinct clinicopathological features. Although most patients are asymptomatic, some may present with abdominal mass, cardiac failure, coagulopathy, or rupture. Hemangioma presents a diagnostic challenge. The surgeon should be aware of this lesion to avoid the pitfalls in differential diagnosis. A misinterpretation of hypervascular metastasis may lead to marked mismanagement. We emphasize the necessity of relatively specific and sensitive investigations in the differential diagnosis of a liver nodule. Surgery alone is usually unnecessary. Therapeutic options include steroids, hepatic artery ligation, therapeutic embolizations, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Available data suggest a favorable prognosis.