Liver Mass
A liver mass is an abnormal area of tissue within the liver that appears different from the surrounding liver on imaging. Liver masses can be benign (non-cancerous), malignant (cancerous), or indeterminate until further evaluation is done. Many liver masses are discovered incidentally during imaging performed for unrelated symptoms. Determining the type of mass is important because treatment and monitoring vary widely depending on the cause.
What is it?
A liver mass refers to a focal area in the liver that differs from normal liver tissue. Masses can include benign conditions such as hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hepatic adenomas, as well as malignant tumors like hepatocellular carcinoma or metastatic cancer from another organ. Some liver masses have characteristic imaging features that allow for a confident diagnosis without biopsy, while others may require additional imaging or tissue sampling.
CT and MRI are commonly used to evaluate liver masses because they provide detailed information about size, shape, blood flow, and internal characteristics. Radiologists look for features such as enhancement patterns, fat content, cystic components, or central scarring to help determine the likely diagnosis and whether follow-up or treatment is needed.
Important to Know
Many liver masses are benign and require no treatment other than periodic monitoring. However, certain masses—such as hepatic adenomas larger than 5 cm or those with atypical features—may carry a risk of bleeding or malignancy. Liver cancers and metastatic tumors require prompt evaluation and treatment planning.
Red flag symptoms include jaundice, unexplained weight loss, persistent right upper abdominal pain, early satiety, or worsening fatigue. These may indicate a mass that is affecting liver function or represents an aggressive tumor. Follow-up imaging is often recommended to track growth or changes over time.