What is a Liver Cyst?
Liver cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the liver that are usually harmless and are often detected incidentally. Most liver cysts cause no symptoms and do not require any treatment. However, in cases of large or multiple cysts, symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and rarely jaundice may occur. Causes of liver cysts may include genetic factors, infections or parasites. Diagnosis is usually made with imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT or MRI. Treatment depends on the size of the cyst and the symptoms it causes and may rarely require surgery. In most cases, regular follow-up is sufficient.
Liver Cyst Treatment
Liver cysts usually do not require treatment and are often asymptomatic. However, treatment options are available for large or symptomatic cysts. Regular follow-up of small, asymptomatic cysts is sufficient. In cysts that show symptoms or grow, procedures such as surgical intervention or aspiration may be performed. Aspiration is the process of evacuating the contents of the cyst with a needle, and sometimes it is aimed to prevent it from filling again by injecting a sclerosing substance into the cyst. Surgical intervention involves removing the cyst, usually using laparoscopic methods. These procedures, which have a low risk of complications, help relieve symptoms and prevent potential complications.
Symptoms of Liver Cysts
Most liver cysts do not cause symptoms. However, large cysts can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and rarely, jaundice. If the cyst becomes compressed or infected, more serious symptoms may occur.
Causes of Liver Cysts
Most liver cysts are congenital and have no specific cause. However, some cysts may develop as a result of infections, parasites, or other liver diseases.
Liver Cyst Diagnosis
Liver cyst diagnosis is usually made by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests help determine the size and location of the cyst.
Liver Cysts and Health
Liver cysts are mostly harmless and rarely cause serious health problems. However, it is important to seek medical advice for cysts that pose a risk of complications due to their size and location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Cyst
Most liver cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, large cysts can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and sometimes jaundice.
Liver cysts are usually discovered incidentally during imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT (computed tomography), or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Asymptomatic liver cysts usually do not require treatment. For large or symptomatic cysts, treatments such as surgery or needle aspiration may be applied.
Most liver cysts are not cancerous and the risk of turning into cancer is very low. However, depending on the type of cyst, your doctor may evaluate this risk.
No, liver cysts are not contagious. They usually occur as a result of congenital structural abnormalities and are not transmitted by external factors.
