Giant liver haemangiomas are benign masses characterized by abnormal growth of blood vessels within the liver tissue. While often asymptomatic, these haemangiomas can lead to discomfort and pain when they become large. This case study highlights the successful management of a 65-year-old male patient presenting with abdominal pain and fullness due to a giant haemangioma.
Patient Presentation:
The patient, a 65-year-old male, presented with abdominal pain and a sensation of fullness. Upon evaluation, a giant haemangioma measuring 12×10 cm was detected in the liver. The clinical team recommended treatment to alleviate symptoms and address potential complications associated with the large haemangioma.
Treatment Strategy:
The medical team opted for Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) as the preferred treatment strategy. TACE involves delivering chemotherapy drugs directly into the blood vessels supplying the haemangioma. This targeted approach cuts off the blood supply to the haemangioma, leading to its shrinkage and symptom relief. TACE is recognized as a minimally invasive procedure effective in managing the growth of haemangiomas.
TACE Procedure:
The TACE procedure was carried out without any complications. Chemotherapy drugs were injected directly into the blood vessels supplying the haemangioma, effectively disrupting its blood supply. This resulted in the reduction of the haemangioma’s size and alleviation of the patient’s symptoms.
Follow-up and Outcome:
Post-procedure follow-up revealed that the patient became completely symptom-free. Imaging confirmed the reduction in the size of the haemangioma, leading to improved quality of life for the patient. The successful outcome highlights the efficacy of TACE in managing giant haemangiomas and alleviating associated symptoms.
Key Points About Giant Haemangiomas:
Size: Giant haemangiomas exceed 6 cm in diameter and can grow significantly larger.
Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, large haemangiomas can cause abdominal discomfort and pain.
Diagnosis: Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI aid in accurate diagnosis.
Risks: While typically benign, there’s a minimal risk of complications such as bleeding or rupture.
Management: In asymptomatic cases, a monitoring approach might be adopted, with regular imaging to track changes.
Conclusion:
This case study underscores the successful application of Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) in managing a giant liver haemangioma in a 65-year-old male patient. TACE effectively reduced the size of the haemangioma and relieved the patient’s symptoms. As a minimally invasive option, TACE offers a promising approach to managing giant haemangiomas, contributing to improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
