Understanding Liver Cysts
A liver cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the liver, often referred to as a “water bubble.” These cysts are usually harmless and don’t cause symptoms. They can appear as a single cyst or multiple ones.
Type of Liver Cysts
There are several types of liver cystic tumours which can be classified into:
- Simple cysts: The most common type of liver cysts, which are benign.
- Hydatid cysts: Caused by a parasitic infection transmitted to humans from animals.
- Biliary cystadenoma: A benign cyst with malignant potential.
- Polycystic liver disease: Multiple benign liver cysts due to an inherited disorder.
- Bilomas: Cysts that contain bile due to a ruptured bile duct.
Do Liver Cysts Cause Symptoms?
Most liver cysts are symptomless, meaning many people don’t even know they have them unless they get an imaging test for another reason. Rarely, large cysts can cause discomfort or complications like infection or rupture. Thin individuals might feel persistent fullness in the upper abdomen or presence of a hard mass when they touch their tummies. Large cysts can press on organs like the stomach and duodenum, displacing the kidney. In rare cases, they might affect the bile duct, causing abnormal liver function tests.
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Feeling of fullness or bloating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Fever (if the cyst is infected)
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Signs of Malignancy in Liver Cysts
Most liver cysts are benign, but some may show signs of being cancerous. Watch for:
- Rapid growth of the cyst
- Irregular or thick walls
- Solid areas within the cyst
- Calcifications (certain patterns of calcium deposits)
- Increased blood flow to the cyst
If these signs are present, further evaluation by a healthcare provider is crucial. Advanced imaging, biopsies, and other tests might be needed to determine the nature of the cyst and guide treatment.
Do Benign Liver Cysts Need Follow-Up?
If a liver cyst is diagnosed as benign, it generally isn’t a cause for concern. However, it’s still important to follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor the cyst. Regular check-ups and imaging tests can help ensure the cyst remains stable. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Common Tests for Monitoring Liver Cysts
To monitor liver cysts, doctors may recommend one or two of the followings accordingly:
- Ultrasound: A non-invasive test that checks the cyst’s size, shape, and consistency.
- CT Scan: Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the liver.
- MRI: Offers high-resolution images, especially useful for complex cysts.
- Blood Tests: Check liver function and rule out other conditions.
When Is Surgery Needed?
In cases where a liver cyst is causing significant symptoms, surgery may be recommended to alleviate the discomfort and prevent further complications. The type of surgery required can vary depending on the size, location, and nature of the cyst. Common surgical procedures include:
- Laparoscopic surgery: This is often the best option for liver cyst treatment as it provides less pain and earlier recovery.
- Laparoscopic liver resection: Recommended if the liver cyst shows malignant features. This ensures all malignant components are removed.
- Percutaneous tube drainage: Commonly performed for patients with infected liver cysts causing severe sepsis who are not suitable for surgery. This procedure is usually temporary to allow the patient to recover first prior to future surgery.
Conclusion
Generally, liver cysts are benign and don’t require surgery. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor the cyst and ensure it doesn’t grow or change. If you have any concerns or new symptoms, consult your doctor for further advice.
