Liver Cysts

Liver cysts can be divided into many different groups in terms of their causes, diagnosis and treatment methods.

Simple Cysts

Simple cysts are congenital and occur due to abnormal bile duct cells during the development of the embryo. The cysts are filled with a bile-like fluid and are covered by a thin layer of epithelial cells.

These cysts are the most common among liver cysts and are usually less than 3 cm in diameter.

Liver hydatid cyst

Although echinococcosis is still not very common in developed countries, it has become more common in both America and Europe in recent years. It may have become more common in direct proportion to the increase in the number of foxes in places where people live and keep pets.

Cystadenoma

Cystadenoma is benign and cystadenocarcinoma is the name given to cancerous tumors. Cystadenomas are similar to simple cysts from birth and of epithelial cell origin. The way the cyst tumor turns into cancer is unknown. Cystadenocarcinoma grows slowly and can reach 12 cm in diameter.

Polycystic Liver Disease

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a rare genetic disease and is the presence of more than 20 cysts in the liver. Cysts are congenital and clustered.

Liver Cyst Symptoms

Liver cysts, which do not prevent the activities of the liver, may not show any symptoms for years. Cysts can burst when enlarged or compress other organs, causing bloating, fullness, and pain in the upper right part of the abdomen. Parasitic cysts (echinococcosis) can cause fever, bloody sputum and severe itching of the skin. The type of echinicocosis caused by E. Multilocularis bacteria causes symptoms similar to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Liver cysts are usually diagnosed by chance during computed tomography (CT scan), ultrasound, and magnetic imaging (MRI) procedures performed for other purposes. The doctor can also feel the cyst by physically examining the abdomen. Cystic echinococcosis is diagnosed by immunoassays that detect echinococcus antibodies in the blood.

Most cysts do not require treatment and disappear on their own. Symptomatic or malignant cysts are surgically removed. Drying can also be applied, but the effect is short-lived. Liver transplantation may be necessary in some PLD patients.

Liver Cyst Surgery

Especially in cases of cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma, the best method is the complete removal of the cyst. This surgery is performed with a procedure called ‘laparoscopy’, which is performed by inserting thin tubes through the abdomen with small instruments.

Drug therapy

Parasitic cysts caused by echinococcosis are treated with a series of surgery and 2 years of chemotherapy, reducing the complaints. A number of medications can also be given to treat parasitic worms.

Protection from Liver Cysts

It does not prevent congenital or genetic liver cysts. Having a family history of liver cyst gives a clue about the risk of developing this disease.