For many patients, being told they have a liver tumour — even a benign one — can be an unsettling experience. Understandably, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: Can it just go away on its own? The hope that a tumour might shrink or disappear without treatment is both natural and common.
In most cases, benign liver tumours do not go away on their own. While some may remain stable for years without causing problems, spontaneous disappearance is uncommon. That said, not all benign liver tumours require treatment. Many can be safely monitored over time with the guidance of a specialist.
This article explains what benign liver tumours are, how doctors determine if a tumour is non-cancerous, and what to expect in terms of progression or management. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a liver lesion, understanding its nature can help you feel more in control of your care.
What is a Benign Liver Tumour? Understanding These Non-Cancerous Growths
A benign liver tumour is a non-cancerous mass that forms from abnormal but non-aggressive liver cell growth. Unlike cancerous tumours, benign liver tumours do not invade nearby tissues or spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.
This distinction is important. While malignant liver tumours often require urgent treatment due to their potential to grow and spread rapidly, benign tumours typically remain stable and are associated with a far more favourable prognosis.
How Do You Know if a Liver Tumour Is Benign?
Most liver tumours are first discovered through imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These scans provide clear pictures of the liver and help doctors evaluate the size, shape, and location of a lesion.
In many cases, imaging alone can give strong clues as to whether a tumour is benign. For instance, common non-cancerous growths like liver hemangiomas or focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) often have typical features that make them easier to identify.
However, if the imaging results are unclear or the tumour has features that overlap with other conditions, a blood test or liver biopsy may be needed. This involves taking a small sample of tissue to examine under a microscope for a more definitive diagnosis.
That said, not all liver tumours require a biopsy. If the tumour appears stable and non-threatening, most liver cancer specialists in Singapore may recommend monitoring it over time instead of further testing.
What to Expect: Do Benign Liver Tumours Change Over Time?
Once a benign liver tumour is confirmed, many patients naturally wonder what happens next. Will it grow? Could it shrink? Or stay the same for years?
Most Benign Liver Tumours Remain Stable
In general, the most common benign liver tumours — such as hemangiomas and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) — tend to stay the same size over time. They typically do not shrink or disappear without treatment, but they also don’t usually cause problems. These tumours often remain silent and are found incidentally during scans for unrelated issues.
While some benign tumours may slowly enlarge, this is not necessarily dangerous. Regular monitoring helps ensure that any changes are detected early, so your specialist can adjust your care plan if needed.
Are There Exceptions?
There are a few situations where a benign liver lesion might change in appearance or size. For example:
- Simple liver cysts (fluid-filled sacs) can sometimes rupture or drain on their own, making them appear to have “disappeared.”
- Hormone-sensitive tumours, like some hepatocellular adenomas, may shrink if hormonal triggers — such as certain medications — are discontinued.
These cases are the exception, not the rule. Most solid benign liver tumours do not resolve spontaneously. That’s why it’s important to distinguish between a tumour being stable and harmless, versus it truly going away.
Managing Benign Liver Tumours: What if They Don’t Go Away?
Not all liver tumours need to be removed. In fact, many benign liver tumours can be safely managed without surgery or medication — especially when they’re stable and not causing symptoms.
Watchful Waiting: A Safe and Effective Approach
For most people with asymptomatic and stable benign liver tumours, doctors typically recommend a strategy known as watchful waiting (or active surveillance). This means keeping an eye on the tumour over time to ensure it doesn’t grow or change in a concerning way.
Surveillance usually involves:
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Periodic imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI
- Monitoring for new or worsening symptoms
The goal isn’t necessarily to make the tumour disappear, it’s to ensure it remains harmless. A tumour that stays the same over time doesn’t usually need to be removed.
When Might Treatment Be Necessary?
In some cases, your doctor may recommend active intervention. Even benign tumours may need to be treated if:
- They cause symptoms, such as persistent pain, bloating, or pressure on nearby organs
- They grow very large, increasing the risk of rupture or internal bleeding.
- They are adenomas, which may carry a higher risk of complications, especially if large or hormone-sensitive.
- There is diagnostic uncertainty, where imaging or biopsy results are inconclusive and further testing cannot confirm the nature of the tumour.
Treatment decisions are highly individual and depend on the type of tumour, its size, location, and how it’s affecting your health. A liver specialist can help guide the best course of action based on your specific case.
The Importance of Regular Follow-Up with Your Liver Specialist
Even when a liver tumour is benign, ongoing follow-up with a liver specialist plays a key role in maintaining long-term health and peace of mind. While many benign tumours remain stable, subtle changes can develop over time — changes that may not cause noticeable symptoms right away but could influence management decisions.
Specialists in liver health, such as hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeons or liver cancer specialists in Singapore, are trained to evaluate and track these changes with precision. Their oversight ensures that any shifts in the tumour’s behaviour are caught early and responded to appropriately.
Regular follow-up helps to:
- Confirm that the lesion remains benign over time.
- Monitor for changes in the tumour’s size, appearance, or structure.
- Spot new symptoms or concerns before they escalate.
- Offer clarity and updated guidance, especially if new questions or uncertainties arise.
- Recommend treatment promptly if the tumour begins to grow or pose a risk.
- Reassure you that your condition is being professionally managed.
Every case is unique. Staying connected with a trusted specialist ensures that your care remains tailored to your evolving needs — without unnecessary intervention. If you’ve been diagnosed with a benign liver tumour and would like to better understand your condition or explore management options, you may consider arranging a consultation with Dr Thng YongXian.