Liver cysts
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Cause
A hepatic cyst can occur in several ways:
- Expanded bile ducts: the bile ducts can expand in the liver at weak spots. Cysts can then form in these places.
- Polycystic liver disease: a rare inherited liver disease
- Trauma or injury: damage to the liver can cause cysts during the healing process.
- Medication: long-term taking of certain medications can cause liver damage and cyst formation.
Symptoms
In most cases, a cyst causes no symptoms. With multiple or very large cysts, you may experience pain.
Diagnosis
A liver cyst is often discovered by chance during an ultrasound of the upper abdomen.
Sometimes the doctor is not sure if the lump is a cyst. In that case, an additional NMR scan (MRI) or CT scan may be needed.
Treatment
Treatment is necessary only when you experience symptoms. The doctor can remove the fluid from the cyst through a puncture. This involves draining the cyst with a hollow needle inserted through the abdominal wall. The puncture is done in conjunction with imaging, so the doctor knows exactly how to puncture the cyst. One disadvantage of the puncture is that the cyst often returns over time.
If the problem persists, surgery is often necessary. During the procedure, the doctor may choose to open up the cyst or remove it completely. This is decided based on the size and number of cysts.