Q1. What are the functions of the liver?
The liver is a major and essential organ in the human body. It has three main functions. Firstly, it regulates blood sugar levels, by storing energy as glycogen and releasing it as glucose between meals. Secondly, it produces essential proteins, such as those for blood-clotting. Patients with poor liver function tend to bleed more easily and longer. Thirdly, the liver plays a vital role in detoxification. It breaks down the toxins produced by the body or absorbed through the intestines.
Q2. What are the types of liver lesions?
Apart from primary liver cancer that originates in the liver or malignant metastasis, there are some other types of common benign lesions. Liver cysts are the most common. Others include haemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and liver adenoma.
Q3. What are liver cysts? Are they cancerous?
Most liver cysts are non-cancerous. They are fluid-filled sacs with a cystic wall. Patients with polycystic liver disease may develop clusters of cysts in the liver and kidneys.
Q4. What are haemangiomas?
Hemangioma is a rather common type of liver lesion. It is actually a non-cancerous mass in the liver which is made up of a tangle of blood vessels. Liver haemangiomas are typically present at birth and may continue to grow with age. However, the majority of haemangiomas require no treatment as over 80% of them stop growing at a certain time. The need for surgery is very low.
Q5. Does focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) require treatment?
Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is not a form of cancer. It is only a lesion that occurs in the liver, and can be detected by CT, MRI and PET scans. If diagnosis is confirmed, FNH usually requires no surgery or biopsy as it is less likely to exhibit continued growth. Surgery is not required in most cases.
Q6. Should I be worried about liver adenomas?
As benign tumours, liver adenomas are most common in women aged 20 to 50, especially if they are on oral hormonal therapy such as contraceptive pills. While these tumours are benign and less likely to keep growing, an accurate diagnosis is crucial. CT and MRI scans are performed to examine their characteristics for diagnosis. Bleeding may occur if the tumours continue to grow in size. Only in rare cases will they become malignant. Regular and long-term monitoring is therefore essential.
Q7. Is treatment not needed for non-malignant conditions?
Whether they are cysts, haemangiomas, FNH, or liver adenomas, surgical removal should be considered if they become excessively large and press on other internal organs such as the stomach or duodenum.
Q8. How can I protect my liver?
The liver can repair and regenerate, but only to a limit. For example, alcohol consumption can cause repeated damage to the liver. Certain Chinese and Western medications may also damage the liver. If they are used long-term, regular liver function tests and consultations can help keep your liver healthy.
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