What Are Liver Lesions?

Liver lesions refer to abnormal growths or areas of damage in the liver tissue. They can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While some liver lesions may not cause any symptoms or pose significant health risks, others can be indicative of underlying liver diseases or serious conditions. In this article, we will explore the causes, signs and symptoms, management, and treatment options, as well as the diagnosis of liver lesions.

Overview

Liver lesions refer to abnormal areas of growth or damage in the liver tissue. Liver lesions can have various causes, including liver cancer, conditions like adenomas (benign growth in the liver), haemangiomas (formed due to abnormalities in the blood vessels supplying the liver), cysts (fluid-filled balloon-like pockets), infections, or abscesses. As mentioned earlier, some liver lesions may not affect health significantly and can go unnoticed for a long time, while others can be indicative of underlying serious diseases or abnormalities. 

The management and treatment of liver lesions depend on factors such as the cause, type, size, and whether they are benign or malignant. Treatment options can range from observation and monitoring to medications, minimally invasive procedures, surgical intervention, or even liver transplantation.

Prevention of liver lesions may not always be possible, but certain lifestyle measures can help reduce the risk. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, practising safe behaviours to prevent infections such as hepatitis B or C, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B.

If you experience persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate management. Early detection and treatment of liver lesions can significantly improve outcomes.¹

Causes of liver lesions

There are a variety of reasons that may lead to liver lesions.^2,3 These can include:  

• Liver cancer: Malignant tumours can develop in the liver, either originating in the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or spreading from other parts of the body (metastatic liver cancer)
• Hepatic adenomas: These are noncancerous tumours that typically occur in women who use oral contraceptives
• Hepatic haemangiomas: These are benign tumours composed of blood vessels that usually do not cause any symptoms and are often discovered incidentally
• Liver cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that can form in the liver, typically without causing any symptoms
• Infections: Certain infections, such as hepatitis B or C, can lead to the development of liver lesions
• Liver abscesses: These are pockets of pus that can form within the liver due to infections or other underlying conditions

Signs and symptoms of liver lesions

Liver lesions may or may not produce noticeable symptoms.⁶ When symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in appetite
• Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)

Management and treatment for liver lesions

The management and treatment of liver lesions include a variety of diagnostic and imaging tests, and the treatment ranges from observation to complex surgical procedures depending upon the nature of the detected condition.⁶ Possible approaches include:

• Observation: If the liver lesion is small, stable, and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring it over time without any immediate treatment
• Medications: In certain cases, medications may be prescribed to manage specific liver lesions, such as hepatic adenomas. Targeted chemotherapy can be used for liver cancer as well.
• Minimally invasive procedures:³ Techniques like radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, or cryoablation may be used to destroy small liver lesions.
• Surgical intervention: Surgical removal of the liver lesion may be necessary in cases where the lesion is large, suspicious for cancer, or causing significant symptoms
• Liver transplant: In some instances, a liver transplant may be considered for individuals with extensive liver lesions or underlying liver diseases.

Diagnosis

To diagnose liver lesions, your doctor may recommend several tests, including:⁴

• Imaging tests:7,8 These may include ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or angiography to visualise the liver and identify any abnormal growths or lesions.
• Blood tests: Liver function tests can help assess the overall health of the liver and identify any signs of liver damage or dysfunction
• Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be taken for analysis to determine the nature of the lesion and rule out malignancy

FAQs

How can I prevent liver lesions?

While it may not be possible to prevent all liver lesions, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, practising safe sex, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B.⁵

How common are liver lesions?

The prevalence of liver lesions varies depending on the specific type and underlying causes. Some benign liver lesions, such as hepatic haemangiomas, are relatively common and often go undetected. Liver cancer and certain other lesions are less common but can be more serious.

Who is at risk of liver lesions?

There are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing liver lesions; these include:

• Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• Exposure to toxins
• Certain genetic conditions

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of the common signs and symptoms associated with liver lesions, such as persistent abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or other concerning symptoms, as well as fall into any of the risk factor groups, such as having certain genetic conditions, hepatitis B or C infection, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Summary

Liver lesions encompass a range of abnormal growths or areas of damage in the liver tissue, which can be benign or malignant. While some liver lesions may not cause symptoms or significant health risks, others can indicate underlying liver diseases or serious conditions. The causes of liver lesions can include liver cancer, adenomas, haemangiomas, cysts, infections, and abscesses. Symptoms may vary but can include abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, and fatigue. 

Treatment options range from observation to medications, minimally invasive procedures, surgery, or even liver transplantation. Diagnosis involves imaging tests, blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy. Prevention includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practising safe behaviours, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. If you have concerning symptoms, it is essential to seek medical advice for appropriate evaluation and management.