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A hemangioma is a noncancerous liver tumor composed of a mass of abnormal blood vessels.

In the United States, about 1 to 5% of adults have small hemangiomas that cause no symptoms. These tumors are usually detected only when ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT) is done for unrelated reasons. Such tumors do not require treatment.

Hemangiomas that cause symptoms are very rare. In infants, hemangiomas usually disappear on their own. However, occasionally hemangiomas are large and cause symptoms, such as widespread blood clotting and heart failure. These tumors require treatment, which may include drugs, a procedure to block the hemangioma's blood supply, and sometimes surgery.

Last full review/revision September 2007 by Steven K. Herrine, MD