Our approach
Not every hemangioma requires surgery.
We assess the size of the tumor, its growth rate, the clinical symptoms, and the risk of complications. For small asymptomatic hemangiomas, follow-up monitoring is sufficient. If the tumor causes symptoms or carries a high risk of complications, surgical treatment is recommended. Whenever possible, we aim to preserve functioning splenic tissue.
What is a splenic hemangioma?
A hemangioma is a benign growth made up of abnormally dilated blood vessels.
It may be:
- single
- multiple
- small or large in size
In the vast majority of cases, hemangiomas do not turn into malignant tumors.
Why does a hemangioma develop?
The exact cause is unknown.
Hemangiomas are thought to be congenital and to form as a result of features of vascular tissue development.
Symptoms
Most hemangiomas cause no symptoms at all.
Large tumors may cause:
- pain or heaviness in the left upper abdomen
- a feeling of fullness after eating
- discomfort in the upper abdomen
- enlargement of the spleen
- feeling full quickly
In rare cases, the following are possible:
- rupture of the hemangioma
- intra-abdominal bleeding
- Kasabach–Merritt syndrome (extremely rare)
When to see a doctor
A consultation is recommended if:
- a splenic hemangioma has been found on ultrasound or CT
- the tumor is growing
- you have pain or discomfort
- a different type of lesion is suspected
- the indications for surgical treatment need to be determined
How is the diagnosis made?
The following are used to establish the diagnosis:
- consultation with a surgeon
- ultrasound examination
- contrast-enhanced computed tomography
- magnetic resonance imaging
- blood tests
A biopsy of a splenic hemangioma is usually not performed because of the risk of bleeding.
How are large splenic hemangiomas treated?
The treatment strategy is determined individually.
Possible options:
- follow-up monitoring
- regular check-ups with CT or MRI
- spleen-preserving operations
- laparoscopic or open splenectomy when indicated
Surgical treatment
At MSI we perform:
- partial splenectomy (when possible)
- laparoscopic splenectomy
- open splenectomy for large or difficult-to-reach tumors
When planning surgery, we always assess the possibility of preserving part of the spleen, but patient safety remains the priority.
Recovery after treatment
After laparoscopic procedures, patients quickly return to their normal activities.
If a splenectomy is performed, the necessary vaccinations are given before or after surgery, together with recommendations on preventing infections.
At MSI, modern ERAS protocols are used for fast postoperative recovery.
Why choose MSI
- Experience in treating benign splenic tumors
- Modern laparoscopic surgery
- The most spleen-preserving approach possible
- Individual treatment planning
- Adherence to international guidelines
- Enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor and has virtually no risk of malignant transformation.
Surgical treatment is recommended when the tumor is large, symptoms appear, it grows quickly, there is a risk of rupture, or another type of lesion cannot be reliably ruled out.
No. If it is technically possible and safe, we aim to perform a spleen-preserving procedure. Complete removal of the spleen is performed only when there are appropriate indications.
In most patients, yes. Laparoscopic splenectomy is the method of choice when there are no contraindications and ensures faster recovery.
The outlook is very favorable. After radical removal of the hemangioma or the spleen, there is no risk of recurrence, and most patients fully return to their normal lifestyle. If a splenectomy is needed, vaccination and prevention of infectious complications are carried out in line with modern guidelines.