Cavernous haemangioma of the liver: the role of radiotherapy

Abstract

Two cases of massive cavernous hemangioma of the liver causing symptoms, and treated successfully by irradiation, are reported. The character of these tumors, their pathology, symptomatology and diagnosis are reviewed. Treatment of these tumors is either surgical or radiotherapeutic. The radiotherapeutic failures are briefly reviewed; they represent a minority of the total reported cases treated by irradiation. Radiotherapy is advocated as the treatment of choice in massive sessile hemangiomas. A tumor dose of 2,000 to 3,000 R in 3 to 4 weeks is recommended. If 3 or 4 months later no response to irradiation is evident an additional tumor dose of 1,000 to 1,500 R in 10 to 15 days may be added. If it fails to relieve the symptoms surgery should be resorted to.