Liver Tumors & Diagnostics
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What Is a Liver Tumor?
A liver tumor is an abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the liver. Tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Learn More About Liver Tumors and Diagnostic Tools
Benign Liver Tumors
There are three main types of benign liver tumors, including Hemangioma, Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH) and Hepatocellular Adenoma.
Hemangioma
Hemangioma is the most common benign liver tumor.
- More frequently occurs in women of any age.
- Usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on abdominal imaging.
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH)
- Second most common benign liver lesion.
- Composed of liver cells surrounding a central stellate scar.
- Typically presents as a solitary lesion.
Hepatocellular Adenoma
- Uncommon solid benign liver lesion.
- Associated with estrogen-containing medication (oral contraception) or anabolic androgens.
For more information on benign liver tumors, visit the Liver Foundation site.
Malignant Liver Tumors
Liver Cancer
- Occurs when normal liver cells change into abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably.
- Chronic liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, increase the risk.
Primary Liver Cancer
- Malignant cells form in the tissues of the liver.
- Main types:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
For more information on liver cancer, visit the National Cancer Institute site.
Diagnostic Tools
ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)
- Uses an endoscope to look at the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH)
- EUS: Uses a camera and sound waves to create images of the digestive tract.
- FISH: Examines gene (DNA) changes in cells.
Cholangioscopy/Spyglass
- Uses miniature digital catheters for direct visualization of the bile ducts.
- Spyglass: A specialized scope for this procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Uses a strong magnet to create detailed three-dimensional images of the body's interior.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
- Examines the pancreatic and biliary (bile duct) systems.
CT (Computed Tomography) Multiphasic
- Imaging test often using contrast enhancement to differentiate lesions for diagnosis.
PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography)
- Combines PET and CT imaging to provide detailed pictures for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring.
