Long-term follow-up of hepatic hemangiomas by ultrasonography: With emphasis on the growth rate of the tumor
Journal
Hepato-Gastroenterology
Journal Volume
54
Journal Issue
74
Pages
475-479
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
Abstract
Background/Aims: It is not rare to find hepatic hemangiomas in people in Taiwan where hepatitis B is endemic during ultrasonographic examinations for the screening of hepatocellular carcinoma, and we can therefore monitor these hemangiomas longitudinally since detected. Methodology: Totally 180 hepatic hemangiomas in 130 adult patients were followed up for more than 5 years with at least twice ultrasound examinations in our hospital. The diagnosis of hemangiomas was made by typical ultrasonographic findings as well as compatible findings in other imaging modalities. The largest diameter of the same tumor at various examinations was compared in each patient. The doubling time of tumor volume was calculated for the enlarging hepatic hemangiomas. Results: The diameters of the 180 hemangiomas ranged from ?8cm - >4cm in 11 (6.1%), ?4cm - >2cm in 55 (30.6%), and ?2cm in 114 (63.3%). Among them, the diameter of 14 (7.7%) hemangiomas in 13 patients increased. The tumor volume doubling time of these hemangiomas ranged from 17.3 to 178.1 months. Conclusions: Although hepatic hemangiomas are benign, some of them indeed grow slowly. The growth rates of these hemangiomas varied and were definitely slower as compared with those of malignant hepatic tumors. ? H.G.E. Update Medical Publishing S.A.
Subjects
Hemangioma; Liver; Tumor volume doubling time; Ultrasonography
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; article; celiac angiography; computer assisted tomography; controlled study; diagnostic imaging; echography; female; follow up; human; liver hemangioma; liver scintiscanning; long term care; major clinical study; male; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; patient monitoring; priority journal; single photon emission computer tomography; tumor growth; tumor volume; Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Disease Progression; Female; Hemangioma; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Humans; Incidental Findings; Liver Neoplasms; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mass Screening; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Multiple Primary
Type
journal article