American Board of Pathology (ABPath) Practice Test

Cavernous hemangiomas are typically vascular lesions composed of a mass of abnormal blood vessels. One of the most characteristic clinical findings associated with cavernous hemangiomas is a palpable mass. These tumors can occur in various locations, including the liver and skin, and they often present as visible or palpable enlargements in the affected area.

In the case of a cavernous hemangioma in the liver, for example, patients may present with a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant during a physical examination, especially if the hemangioma is large enough. This palpability is due to the localization of the lesion and its vascular nature, which provides clear boundaries and a distinct texture compared to surrounding tissues.

While cavernous hemangiomas can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain or complications depending on their size and location, they are frequently asymptomatic or discovered incidentally during imaging studies. Jaundice and asymptomatic spleen enlargement are less commonly associated clinical findings and are not typical presentations for cavernous hemangiomas.