Understanding a Liver Mass: Causes, Types, Diagnosis, and Your Treatment Options
Discovering you have a liver mass can be a surprising experience, often found during imaging tests for unrelated reasons. While the word "mass" might sound concerning, most are benign (non-cancerous) and typically pose no threat to your health. Still, understanding these growths is crucial for your well-being.
In this guide, you'll learn about liver masses, common benign types, how they're diagnosed, and what treatment options might be available to you.
What Exactly Is a Liver Mass?
A liver mass is any abnormal growth within your liver. It can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). While some liver masses cause symptoms like abdominal pain, many are found incidentally during routine imaging tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
Learn how a liver ultrasound can help detect abnormalities early on.
Types of Benign Liver Masses
Benign liver tumors are usually harmless and often won't require treatment. Here are the most common types of non-cancerous liver masses you might encounter:
Hepatic Hemangioma (Cavernous Hemangioma)
The most common benign liver mass is a hepatic hemangioma, which is a Non-cancerous cluster of blood vessels. These are frequently found incidentally on imaging and usually cause no symptoms. If a hemangioma is large or causes discomfort, your doctor might discuss options like surgical removal or other treatments. Otherwise, they are typically just observed with periodic imaging.
For more context on imaging findings, read about echogenic liver and its meaning in liver ultrasounds.
Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH)
The second most common type is focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). This is a non-cancerous growth made up of normal liver cells, often with a characteristic "central scar" visible on imaging. FNH usually causes no symptoms and often requires no specific treatment.
Curious how liver lesions like FNH are evaluated? Learn more here.
Hepatocellular Adenoma (HCA)
Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is a rarer benign tumor, predominantly affecting women. It's often linked to factors like certain hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy, or steroid use. While benign, some HCAs have a small potential to become cancerous, especially if they are large or in men. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, and diagnosis often requires a biopsy. Your doctor may recommend surgical removal if it’s large, symptomatic, or carries a higher risk of malignant change.
Why Do Liver Masses Occur? Understanding the Causes
Liver masses can arise from various factors. Some are congenital, meaning they are present from birth, like focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH). Hormonal influences, such as those from certain medications or pregnancy, can contribute to the development of adenomas. Other masses stem from vascular malformations (like hemangiomas) or occur due to liver injury, inflammation, or metabolic disorders.
Did you know that alcohol, smoking and medications may also influence liver mass development?
Liver Mass vs. Liver Cancer: What's the Difference?
It's natural to worry about cancer when you hear "liver mass," but most are benign. Benign liver masses typically grow slowly or stay stable, do not spread to other parts of your body, and carry a very low risk of becoming cancerous.
In contrast, liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), usually grows rapidly. It can cause noticeable symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes). Importantly, liver cancer also has the potential to spread to other areas of the body. This is why thorough diagnostic tests are so important to accurately identify the type of mass you have.
Understanding the stages of liver cancer can provide important context if malignancy is suspected.
How Are Liver Masses Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a liver mass involves a careful process to give your medical team the clearest picture. Your doctor will begin by taking your medical history and conducting a physical exam to understand your symptoms and any risk factors.
Imaging tests are crucial for diagnosis. These commonly include ultrasound, CT scans with contrast, or MRI with contrast, which provide detailed images of your liver. Sometimes, if imaging results are not conclusive, a liver biopsy may be needed to examine a small tissue sample. Blood tests may also be performed, including liver function tests and specific markers if cancer is suspected.
You can also explore what liver test strips are and how they work for at-home monitoring.
Treatment Options for Liver Masses
Your treatment plan for a liver mass will depend on its specific type, size, and whether it's causing symptoms or poses a risk.
For many asymptomatic, benign masses, your doctor may recommend observation and monitoring through regular follow-up imaging. If a mass is causing symptoms, is growing significantly, or appears suspicious, surgical removal might be recommended. This can be done through minimally invasive or open surgery. Other treatment approaches sometimes include arterial embolization (blocking blood flow to the mass) or radiofrequency ablation (using heat to destroy abnormal cells). For masses linked to hormonal influences, stopping certain medications or hormonal therapies may also be advised.
To better understand your liver test options and whether a biopsy or imaging is next, talk with your doctor.
If you’re unsure where to begin, here’s how to order a liver function test from home.
Liver Mass in Pregnancy
If you have a liver mass and are pregnant, particularly an adenoma, your doctor will discuss special considerations. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause some masses to enlarge, requiring individualized monitoring and care to ensure both your and your baby's health.
If you're pregnant and diagnosed with a liver mass, it's vital to know the risks. Liver health during pregnancy is crucial for both mother and baby.
When Should You Be Concerned About a Liver Mass?
While most liver masses are benign, it’s important to pay attention to your body. Consult your doctor promptly if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could indicate a more serious condition:
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Unexplained weight loss
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Persistent abdominal pain
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Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
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Unusual or severe fatigue
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A rapidly growing abdominal mass you can feel
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A family history of liver cancer
Explore other signs that your liver may be struggling to catch issues early.
If you’re noticing pain, here’s how to stop liver pain immediately and when to call your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Receiving a diagnosis of a liver mass can understandably cause stress, but it's important to remember that the majority are benign and highly manageable. Modern diagnostic techniques often accurately classify these lesions without the need for surgery.
Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider, along with appropriate treatment and lifestyle adjustments, can greatly minimize any potential complications. If you've been diagnosed with a liver mass, we encourage you to consult with a hepatologist (a liver specialist) or a liver surgeon. They can help you develop a personalized care plan that's right for you. Early diagnosis and proper management are key to your liver health.
You can start with our simple at-home testing options!
Curious how your liver is doing? Explore Ribbon Checkup’s at-home liver tests for simple, lab-quality insights you can trust—no clinic visit required.
Related Resources
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Liver Lesions: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understand the difference between liver lesions and masses, and how they’re evaluated. -
What Are Liver Test Strips and How Do They Work?
Learn about simple, at-home tools to help monitor liver function effectively. -
The Ribbon Liver Test: A Simple, Science-Backed Way to Track Liver Health from Home
Discover how Ribbon’s liver test can give you trusted results without leaving home.
References
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Lee, E., Pachter, H. L., & Umut Sarpel. (2012). Hepatic Arterial Embolization for the Treatment of Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. International Journal of Hepatology, 2012, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/471203
Liver hemangioma-Liver hemangioma - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic. (2021). Retrieved July 21, 2025, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-hemangioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20354234
Liver Lesions: What They Are, Types, Symptoms & Causes. (2023, September 7). Retrieved July 21, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14628-liver-lesions
Liver Tumors. (2022, April 19). Retrieved July 21, 2025, from Hopkinsmedicine.org website: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/liver-tumors
Mathieu, D., Zafrani, E. S., Anglade, M.-C., & Dhumeaux, D. (1989). Association of focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatic hemangioma. Gastroenterology, 97(1), 154–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(89)91429-7
Venturi, A., F. Piscaglia, G. Vidili, Flori, S., R. Righini, R. Golfieri, & L. Bolondi. (2007). Diagnosis and management of hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia. Journal of Ultrasound, 10(3), 116–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jus.2007.06.001
