Cavernous Liver Hemangioma and Whole Body Vibration
Liver hemangiomas (LH) are benign masses of poorly formed blood vessels found in the liver. They are
often single small masses (less than 5 cm in size) that remain unchanged, but some individuals can have
multiple masses, which can also become larger in size. Other names include hepatic hemagiomas or
cavernous hemangioms. The cause of LH is unknown; however, it is thought to be congenital. A benign
mass means that it is not cancerous and a hemangioma will likely not lead to cancer. In general,
individuals do not know they have a liver hemangioma because there are no symptoms associated with
them. Often individuals find out about these masses when receiving a test or imaging for another
problem. Treatment is not necessary unless a person becomes symptomatic. Symptoms include right
upper abdominal pain, a full feeling after eating even small amounts of food, loss of appetite, nausea,
and vomiting. Most people are diagnosed with LH between the ages of 30 and 50. Women are
diagnosed more often and LH are often found during pregnancy and when women are on hormone
replacement therapy. During pregnancy, changes in estrogen may cause the mass to enlarge resulting in
symptoms and subsequent need for treatment. LH that are asymptomatic are monitored by a physician.
Treatment options for symptomatic LH include surgery to remove the mass, part of the liver including
the hemangioma or in rare cases a transplant surgery, stopping blood flow to the hemangioma by either
hepatic artery ligation or arterial embolization, and radiation therapy.
There is no scientific evidence available to provide guidelines for exercise in individuals with a liver
hemangioma. One article discusses a case study in which the individual developed hemobilia, which was
induced through strenuous physical activity1. The underlying cause was found to be a liver hemangioma
and all symptoms resolved following a partial liver resection in which the hemangioma was removed1.
Moderate physical activity should not be an issue for individuals with a liver hemangioma when he/she
is asymptomatic. If an individual is symptomatic, exercise restrictions should be discussed with a doctor.
There is no research looking at the effect of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on an individual with a liver
hemangioma. Research into industrial levels of WBV found no changes in liver function when rats were
exposed to high frequency levels of vibration (100 Hz)2. This vibration frequency is substantially higher
than the vibration levels of the WBV platform. Blood flow is found to be increased in the lower
extremities when using the WBV platform3. There is no research investigating blood flow increases to
the torso or internal organs following WBV; therefore, it cannot be determined if increased blood to the
liver are linked to growth of LH. Before adding WBV to an exercise routine, an individual should speak
with his/her doctor. It is essential that the physician understands WBV so the individual can determine if
the benefits of WBV outweigh any potential risks or contraindications.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON. M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
info@t-zonehealth.com www.t-zonevibration.com
-2Once a physician has cleared an individual to use WBV, they should begin at a low intensity and
duration. In addition, the individual should closely monitor any potential symptoms related to his/her
liver hemangioma. WBV should be discontinued if any symptoms related to the hemangioma become
worse, and any changes should be discussed with a physician. Once an individual has become
comfortable with the machine, and no changes in symptoms occur, the exercise intensity can be
increased and exercises at the appropriate level may be added. In general, if an individual experiences
shortness of breath, pain or dizziness when using WBV, it should be discontinued immediately.
References
1. Birth M, Ortlepp J, Bontikous S, Amthor M, Weiser HF, Bruch HP. 2000. Intermittent activityinduced hemobilia caused by liver hemangioma, Digestive Surgery, 17(3), 292-6.
2. Ivanovich E, Antov G, Kazakova B. 1981. Liver changes under combined effect of working
environmental factors, International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 48(1),
41-7.
3. Lythgo N, Eser P, de Groot P, Galea M. 2009. Whole-body vibration dosage alters leg blood flow,
Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 29(1), 53-9.
Various models and machines on the market have been used for the purpose of conducting research.
Also, a variety of frequencies (speeds) and amplitudes (platform variation) which may or may not be
known to us have been used. We do not guarantee or claim users will achieve similar results with our TZone Whole Body Vibration machine.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR
HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON. M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918
info@t-zonehealth.com www.t-zonevibration.com