Liver cysts are abnormal sacs on the liver.
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 can have cysts in other organs (kidney and/or pancreas). If polycystic liver disease is present, careful monitoring may be needed.
Some cysts are caused by a parasite, echinococcus that is found in sheep in different parts of the world.
Most liver cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, if cysts become large, they can cause bloating, nausea and pain in the upper right part of your abdomen. Sometimes, liver cysts become large enough that you can feel them through your abdomen.
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.
Most liver cysts do not require any intervention. In the absence of symptoms, simple cysts do not require any follow-up imaging. If symptomatic, other causes for the symptoms, such as gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux, gastric dysmotility, or peptic ulcers, should be considered. If the cysts are large and causing symptoms, they can be drained and injected with a sclerosing agent to lessen the chance for recurrence, surgically deroofed to allow the fluid to be reabsorbed, and drained internally. The choice will depend on local expertise and patient preference. If the cyst has malignant potential (mucinous cystic neoplasm associated with carcinoma), it may require surgical resection.
Since most liver cysts are congenital, meaning they are present from birth, there is no way to prevent their development.
Benign (noncancerous) cysts cause no problems. A physician may want to monitor them over time with periodic CT scans or ultrasounds to look for any growth or change.
If liver cysts have been surgically or medically removed, they rarely return, so no further attention would be needed.
No special attention is needed other than periodic imaging tests. For overall liver health, eating a healthy and nutritious diet, exercise, and being careful with medications and supplements that may harm the liver is recommended. It is also recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
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Last updated on May 19th, 2025 at 11:13 am