Liver Cysts

Liver cysts are abnormal sacs filled with fluid in the liver.

Facts at-a-Glance

1. The cause of simple Liver Cysts isn’t known, but they may be the result of a malformation present at birth.
2. Liver Cysts occur in approximately 5% of the population.

Information for the Newly Diagnosed

What are the causes of liver cysts?

Liver cysts causes are unknown. Liver cysts can be present at birth or can develop at a later time. They usually grow slowly and are not detected until adulthood.

Some cysts are caused by a parasite, echinococcus that is found in sheep in different parts of the world.

What are the symptoms of liver cysts?

Most liver cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, if cysts become large, they can cause bloating and pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. Sometimes, liver cysts become large enough that you can feel them through your abdomen.

What are the complications of liver cysts?

Liver cysts can have rare complications of liver failure and liver cancer.

How are liver cysts diagnosed?

Since most liver cysts do not cause any symptoms, they usually are detected only on ultrasounds or computerized tomography (CT) scans. If symptoms do occur, a doctor may perform an abdominal CT scan to look at the liver.

A blood test will rule out a parasite as the cause of the liver cyst.

How are liver cysts treated?

Most liver cysts do not need to be treated. However, if cysts get large and painful, they may need to be drained or surgically removed. Cysts also may be surgically removed if they are stopping bile from reaching your intestine.

If a parasite is found, antibiotics are used for treatment.

What is polycystic liver disease?

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is the development of multiple cysts in the liver. PLD cysts may cause pain, but they usually do not affect liver function. If PLD starts affecting liver function or becomes too painful, surgery may be needed. However, cysts can reoccur after surgery.

People with PLD are born with it, but usually do not have large cysts until they are adults. Polycystic liver disease is genetic. When it is found in one family member, all family members should be tested. PLD may be detected using an ultrasound or CT scan. It is more common in women than men.

Most people with PLD also have polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which are cysts in the kidneys that can cause high blood pressure and kidney failure. Sometimes a liver transplant and a kidney transplant may be necessary.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• How do I know whether my cyst is benign or cancerous?
• Have you seen many other patients with this particular condition?
• Will I need to have a liver biopsy performed?
• What kinds of scans are needed?
• Can a cyst be removed if it is causing me discomfort?
• If my cysts need to be removed, is there a specific specialist that I should be referred to?
• Will my cyst be monitored to check on its size and location over a period of time?
• If I have liver cysts, should I get other kinds of testing to check for cysts anywhere else in my body?

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Last updated on March 15th, 2023 at 11:13 am