About this topic
A liver cyst is an abnormal sac filled with fluid in the liver. If the cyst is large, you may have pain in your belly. Sometimes, you can feel the cyst through your belly. Cysts in the liver can develop slowly in early age and can be found during adult years. If you have simple liver cysts, you may not have any signs. Your liver may work normally. Some cysts may heal on their own within a few weeks. ‚
Your liver cysts may: ‚
- Be present when you are born and are common during puberty. These can get bigger as your hormones change. Your liver may look like a large bunch of grapes. This is because you have more than one cyst.
- Or may not be a kind of cancer. These are neoplastic cysts.
- Be caused by a parasite infection. These are hydatid cysts. There may be problems with these like pain, especially as the cyst grows.
- Be caused by other infections. This is an abscess.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of liver cysts is not known. They may be due to genetic problems or present from birth. This is called polycystic liver disease or PLD. The cysts may also be from an infection. Abnormal cell growth may cause some cysts. Liver cysts may also be a sign of some other health problem in the belly. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Swelling of your belly
- Belly pain
- Throwing up
- Problems in digestion
- Shoulder pain
- Enlarged liver
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
You doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will check your belly to see if your liver or kidneys are large. The doctor will also check for tenderness and any growths on your liver or kidneys. You may need to have: ‚
- Blood tests including liver function tests
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
- Biopsy of liver cyst
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Most liver cysts do not need treatment. Your doctor may do a procedure to remove the cysts. The doctor will try to find out if other illnesses may be causing your liver cysts.
- If the cause of the cysts is due to infection, your doctor may give you drugs to treat the infection.
- If the cysts become infected and cause serious signs, surgery may be needed.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- If you are a smoker, stop smoking. If you have problems quitting, ask for help.
- Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Practice good personal hygiene to avoid parasitic infections.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eat foods low in fats like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.
- Avoid too much sugar.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
Where can I learn more?
The Liver Care Foundation ‚
http://www.thelivercarefoundation.org/?page=liver_cysts ‚
The Liver Foundation ‚
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/livercysts/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚