What are the symptoms of splenic hemangioma?

Sep 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, splenic hemangiomas, as common benign lesions of the spleen, often cause no obvious discomfort in most patients during the early stages. As the hemangioma increases in size or is influenced by specific factors, symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, palpable abdominal mass, gastrointestinal symptoms, signs related to rupture and bleeding, or compression of surrounding organs may occur. Patients are advised to undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations to monitor changes in the size of the hemangioma.

Generally, splenic hemangiomas, as common benign lesions of the spleen, often present no obvious discomfort in the early stages. As the hemangioma increases in size or is influenced by certain factors, patients may develop symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, palpable abdominal mass, gastrointestinal symptoms, symptoms related to rupture and bleeding, or symptoms due to compression of surrounding organs. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Abdominal discomfort: As the splenic hemangioma gradually enlarges, it may exert traction on surrounding tissues. Patients commonly experience dull pain, bloating, or discomfort in the upper left abdomen. The pain is usually mild and occurs intermittently, potentially worsening after physical exertion or strenuous activity.

2. Abdominal mass: With further growth of the hemangioma, the spleen may enlarge accordingly. Some patients may feel a soft, poorly demarcated mass in the upper left abdomen. The mass is relatively fixed in position, typically non-tender upon palpation, and may move slightly up and down with respiration.

3. Gastrointestinal symptoms: An enlarged splenic hemangioma may compress adjacent gastrointestinal organs, impairing normal peristalsis and digestive function. This can lead to symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, bloating, and indigestion, with increased abdominal fullness often noted after meals.

4. Symptoms related to rupture and hemorrhage: In rare cases, splenic hemangiomas may rupture and bleed. Patients would then suddenly experience severe pain in the upper left abdomen, which may rapidly spread throughout the entire abdomen. This may be accompanied by pallor, dizziness, palpitations, cold sweats, and other signs of acute blood loss.

5. Compression of surrounding organs: If the hemangioma is large, it may compress nearby vital organs. For example, compression of the left kidney may cause dull pain in the left flank, frequent urination, or other urinary symptoms; compression of the diaphragm may impair respiratory function, leading to chest tightness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

Patients are advised to undergo regular abdominal ultrasound examinations to monitor changes in the size of the hemangioma. They should avoid abdominal trauma or pressure in daily life, maintain a regular作息 (daily routine), avoid excessive fatigue, eat a balanced diet, and reduce intake of spicy or irritating foods to support spleen health.