What you may notice
A liver lesion means an area that looks different on imaging; it does not automatically mean cancer. Many lesions cause no symptoms. Upper-abdominal discomfort, reduced appetite or weight loss may prompt a scan but can also come from conditions outside the liver.
Liver
What could cause it?
Cysts, benign blood-vessel growths, other benign nodules, an abscess, primary liver cancer and cancer spread from elsewhere are possible explanations. Previous scans, liver-disease history, blood tests and contrast CT or MRI help characterise the finding. A biopsy is useful in selected cases, but is not required for every lesion.
When to contact a doctor
Arrange review of a new or uncertain liver finding, particularly with known cirrhosis, hepatitis or a cancer history. Persistent weight loss, jaundice or increasing abdominal swelling needs prompt assessment. Fever with significant abdominal pain, collapse or severe sudden pain requires urgent hospital care; call 108 if severely unwell.
How interventional radiology may help
Benign lesions may need observation rather than a procedure. For selected confirmed tumours, IR can offer local ablation or treatment through the liver arteries within a multidisciplinary plan. Surgery, transplantation, medicines and other cancer treatments may be more suitable or used together. The lesion type, size, spread and remaining liver function determine the role of IR.
Further reading: detailed assessment and treatment options
Patient information sources
References are in English.
Educational information, not a diagnosis. The causes listed are examples, not a complete list. Tests and treatment depend on your individual assessment.