Comprehensive Care for Liver & Pancreas Tumors

When abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, form in the body, they may band together to form a tumor. Tumors are growths of tissue that the body does not need. If left untreated, they may form blood vessels that allow the abnormal cells to travel to other parts of the body.

Tumors can form anywhere, and while not all of them are harmful, they should be examined by a doctor and removed if necessary. At The Methodist Transplant Specialists, we provide tumor treatments for the liver, kidney, and pancreas.

Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are noncancerous growths that usually do not cause any harm or symptoms. Benign tumors are not uncommon and can go undiscovered for years. An imaging test, such as MRI or ultrasound, usually has to occur before a benign tumor is diagnosed.

The most common benign tumors of the liver include:

Hemangiomas – These are the most common type of benign liver tumors. They are formed by an abnormal collection of blood vessels. They usually do not cause symptoms, but can be harmful in rare cases.
Focal Nodular Hyperplasias – The second most common form of benign liver tumors. They are more common in young women under the age of 30.
Hepatocellular Adenomas – These liver tumors are more common in women who have taken oral contraceptives and hormone pills. They do not usually cause problems.

Symptoms of a Malignant Tumor

The most common form of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma. People who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C have a higher risk of growing a malignant tumor. The symptoms of a liver tumor are different for everyone, but some of the most common include:

Abdominal pain
Weight loss
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Jaundice
Itching
Lump in the upper right part of the abdomen

Blood tests and diagnostic imaging are usually required to confirm a liver cancer diagnosis. Be sure not to ignore these symptoms, as the longer a malignant tumor goes undiagnosed, the greater the risk that it will spread to other parts of the body.