Liver hemangioma/liver resection

Hello @phillrachel,

Welcome to Connect. I'm so glad you've joined this group. I'd like to start by introducing you to fellow member @pkindron who has shared some great insights information about her liver resection at Mayo Clinic. I'm also tagging @martid and @tgirl who have posted about liver resection, and I'm certain they will return to share their thoughts and experiences.

Here's some information about liver hemangioma from Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-hemangioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354234

I'd also like to mention that the multidisciplinary approach at Mayo Clinic lets you benefit from the knowledge and experience of each specialist on your care team. Team members collaborate closely in planning each individual's care. This link will give you a few more details about your care at Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/care-at-mayo-clinic/why-choose-mayo-clinic/con-20025300

@phillrachel, may I ask about your symptoms? Did you have any pain that led to this diagnosis? What tests did you have to undergo to detect the hemangioma?

We actually found my liver hemangioma when I thought I was having a heart attack. Turns out it was a gall bladder attack so when I was 17 weeks pregnant I had my gall bladder removed. I had my first CT scan on my liver in the Fall of 2010 after my pregnancy was done. At the time my hemangioma was already considered giant and was about 6cm if I remember right. I have had annual CT scans since 2010. My most recent one showed that it was now almost 12cm so grapefruit size. My doctor here referred me to Mayo since mine keeps growing as he said I need to look into liver resection and Mayo was the closest surgeon for liver hemangiomas. My doctor here isn't sure why mine keeps growing. Since we found it in 2010 I have not been on birth control or been pregnant again and they believe hormones from both of those cause it to grow. I guess I'm special as mine is still growing! I wouldn't say its so much painful but I guess I would describe it as a more pressure type pain on my upper right side where your liver is. I'm barely five feet tall so I think there is no room for a grapefruit size mass in me! I know my reason for visiting Mayo could be so much worse but from my internet searching it looks like liver resection is a pretty high level surgery since its a major organ and a long recovery. So I'm a bit nervous about having another surgery, especially a major one. So any input from someone who has been through this would be great.

@phillrachel, I don't know anything at all about the condition that you are describing. I am a volunteer mentor and I was drawn to this conversation when I saw the word "liver". I can assure you that you will be in good care at Mayo Clinic. It is understandable that you fear another surgery. I encourage you to look at the information that Kanaaz sent to you.
As an FYI - I think that the Liver department at Mayo is the absolute best! They performed my liver/kidney transplant in 2009.
Rosemary

Hello, my first question is, did you have a liver biopsy done?
My GYN found a large upper right quadrant mass in July of 2015. Had MRI referred to surgeon at local hospital, initially he thought it was a hemogemia . He wanted to do surgery and really didn't consider if it was anything else. I took it upon myself to send my MRI to Yale New Haven Hospital to a surgeon who specializes with "anything liver". First he did a a whole batch of blood work, all came back within normal ranges. Then we did a liver biopsy ..... came back as metastatic melanoma 14 cm X 7 cm BRAF wIldtype with the NRAS mutation and unknown primary. Never had skin , ocular or muscolar Melanoma. Inoperable and I have been treated with immunotherapy. My tumor is 3.8 cm X 1.9 cm and has not metastisized to any other part of my body. I'm stable but still receive immunotherapy every 3 weeks. No surgery as my Melanoma travelled through my blood and not my lymphatic system. I tell you this not to scare you but to inform you to have every test possible prior to surgery.
I will keep you in my prayers.

No I have never had a liver biopsy done. We have only done CT scans since it was found in 2010. They did do blood work once and it came back all normal. I have not ever had an MRI done either. All CT scans have said it was a hemangioma. I go to Mayo for my appointment next Wednesday so I guess we will see what all tests they want to run. My doctor here just referred me to them since it has grown again and he says I need a liver resection and Mayo is the nearest surgeon. I'm 6 hours away in Fargo, ND. They have told me to plan for 5 to 7 days of testing but I'm not sure how long it will really take. This is my first experience at Mayo.

Also, I wanted to say I'm sorry to hear you had a metastatic melanoma. I'm glad things are stable and I hope you continue to do well. I will request the tests as you mentioned. I'm happy I finally got referred to a team that specializes in liver matters far more in depth than my doctors here in Fargo.

@phillrachel, I wish you a safe trip to Mayo.

We have a Mayo Connect discussion group titled Visiting Mayo Clinic that you might find helpful since this is your first trip there. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/traveling-to-mayo-clinic-minnesota/
Feel free to ask any questions so that we can make your trip a less stressful.
Rosemary

In 2014, I had a liver resection due to a breast cancer tumor removal. Everything went so well, it was a big surgery. I feel, I had the best care from the most caring, talented team of doctors. I say team, because the different department or specialties engage together to make the best recommendation for each individual. My best interest has always been top priority by all at Mayo Clinic and I have a sense of peace when I walk in the door. There is a reason Mayo has a good reputation, it is the ultimate medical model, simple put...is the best! They saved my life thru talent, knowledge, skill, collaboration and a huge dose of compassion.

Hello @marybethfly4u

Thank you for joining Connect with such wonderful insights and comments; I'm sure fellow Connect members will appreciate it too.
I noticed that you posted your message a few months after you joined; do you have any questions or concerns we can help you with? We look forward to getting to know you, @marybethfly4u

@phillrachel I don't know about liver surgery, but I did have 3 basal cell cancers removed from the area above the right side of my lip. Skin grafting was involved. I had it done at Mayo, Rochester as I completely trust them. My husband had a heart attack while we were visiting a friend in Rochester on the eve of the new millennium. I took him to St. Mary's Hospital there and Mayo doctors placed 2 stents. They were so wonderful, and followed him for 15 years after to make sure he was doing well. Also, just before his heart attack, I had a doctor who wanted to remove a tumor on the inside of my left elbow. At the last minute I decided to have Mayo do a second opinion. They did an MRI, and recommended against the surgery since it was a fatty tumor that was intwined with my muscle tissue! I was so impressed with their diagnosis and not wanting to operate. I'm telling you this so you will feel comfortable and confident with Mayo assisting with your liver diagnosis and treatment. Best of luck. You're in good, gentle hands at Mayo. Gailb