Concerns Regarding Liver Hemangiomas
I’m a 37-year-old Caucasian female, weighing 115 pounds and standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall. For the past six months, I've struggled with persistent nausea after meals, yellow-colored stools, and pain in my upper right quadrant that sometimes extends to my shoulder blades and the right side of my neck. Occasionally, I resort to taking 40mg of Famotidine for relief. I drink sporadically, and it generally doesn’t seem to affect my symptoms; it’s primarily food that triggers discomfort. I have undergone several medical evaluations to determine if my gallbladder is functioning properly. While the HIDA scan suggested a delayed visualization, the gallbladder itself appeared normal. However, during this process, a hemangioma was identified in the right lobe of my liver, measuring 3.2 cm. A subsequent CT scan four weeks later revealed the presence of two additional hemangiomas, bringing the total to two in the right lobe (now measuring 3.6 cm and 1.6 cm) and one in the left lobe at 1.3 cm. Am I at risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma? The wait for my doctor’s phone call is torturous, and as I sit here with my two young children, the anxiety is overwhelming and I feel like crying.
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 2:10:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms and the recent findings regarding your liver hemangiomas. Let’s break down your concerns and focus on what you can do while you wait for more information from your doctor.
Main Points:
- Hemangiomas are benign (non-cancerous) liver tumors, and they typically do not progress to cancer.
- Symptoms like nausea and pain should be monitored, especially since they are affecting your daily life.
- Managing your symptoms and reducing anxiety is important while you await further evaluation.
Explanation:
Hemangiomas of the liver are quite common and, in most cases, don't lead to serious consequences or health issues. They generally require no treatment unless they cause significant symptoms (which seems to be the case for you). The risk of developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) from hemangiomas is extremely low. However, your symptoms warrant further evaluation to rule out other possible causes, especially since they are affecting your quality of life.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting how often they occur, their severity, and any foods that seem to trigger them. This could provide valuable information for your doctor when they discuss your case.
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Dietary Adjustments: Since food seems to trigger discomfort, consider maintaining a food diary to identify any specific items that may be problematic. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help alleviate nausea.
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Hydration and Rest: Ensure you stay well-hydrated and prioritize getting sufficient rest. Stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, so finding ways to relax, such as deep breathing techniques or gentle exercise, may be beneficial.
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Medication Use: While Famotidine can help manage symptoms, it's important not to rely on it too heavily without consulting your healthcare provider. Consider discussing your current dosage and whether alternative medications or treatments might be more effective for your nausea and discomfort.
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Anxiety Management: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when waiting for important health information. Consider talking to a friend or reaching out to a support group. Techniques like mindfulness meditation or yoga can also help reduce stress.
While waiting for your doctor's advice, remember that many individuals with liver hemangiomas live normal, healthy lives without complications. Keep track of your symptoms, manage your stress, and focus on self-care during this waiting period. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or concerns.
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