Liver problems have been increasing for the last few years. Millions of people around the world are worried about their liver, now the name of TV actress Deepika Kakkar has also been added to this list. Recently it was found that she has a tumor as big as a tennis ball in her liver. Many people consider lumps or tumors in the liver as cancer, but it is not so. These days the problem of benign liver tumors is also being seen a lot. These are usually not harmful and in most cases do not cause any serious problem.

Types of Benign Liver Tumors

Hemangioma: This is the most common benign liver tumor. It is an abnormal thickening of the blood vessels. In most cases, there are no symptoms and no treatment is required. Sometimes large hemangioma can cause heaviness or pain in the stomach.

Focal nodular hyperplasia: This is also a non-cancerous lump that forms in the liver. It is an abnormal but benign accumulation of normal liver cells. It is more common in women aged 20 to 50 years. There are usually no symptoms and it is not treated.

Hepatocellular adenoma:  This is also a benign tumor, but sometimes it can burst or turn into cancer, so it needs to be monitored. It occurs most often in women who use hormonal oral contraceptive pills for a long time. If it grows large or causes symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgical removal.

Symptoms, if any

-Heaviness or mild pain in the right side of the abdomen

-Swelling in the abdomen

-In very rare cases bleeding or rupture of the lump

Diagnosis:

-Ultrasound

-CT Scan / MRI

-Blood Test (Liver Function Test)

Treatment

Most cases do not require treatment unless there are symptoms or complications. Surgery may be needed if the tumor is large, at risk of rupture, or causing symptoms. Regular monitoring may be necessary. Benign liver tumors are usually harmless and life continues as normal even without treatment. But it is important to get any liver lump diagnosed accurately and consult a doctor to ensure it is not cancerous.

This is how liver cancer is identified

The first signs of liver cancer (early symptoms) are often very mild and common, which is why it is difficult to identify it early. The first sign is mild or persistent pain or heaviness in the upper right abdomen. This is the location of the liver. If you feel persistent pressure or pain there, it may be a sign of liver disorder.

Other early symptoms of liver cancer

-Loss

of appetite -Sudden weight loss 

-Fatigue and weakness  -Swelling

or heaviness in the stomach 

-Yellowing of the skin and eyes 

-Feeling of nausea or vomiting 

-Itching in the body

-Fluid accumulation in the stomach 

If you have any doubts, these tests can be done

-Liver function tests (LFT)

-Ultrasound/CT scan/MRI

-Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) – a tumor marker of liver cancer

-Biopsy (if needed)

When to see a doctor?

If you have persistent fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite, or yellowing of the skin, consult a doctor immediately. If liver cancer is caught in the early stages, its treatment is largely possible.