Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesComplicationsDiagnosisTreatmentAt-Home Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
At-Home Care
Only around 5% to 10% of people with liver cysts have symptoms, with most cases requiring no treatment.However, as a cyst grows larger, it can cause blockages and other problems that may require surgical or non-surgical treatments. It is rare for liver cysts to cause liver cancer or liver failure.
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Most liver cysts do not cause symptoms, particularly solitary “simple” cysts under 3 centimeters (cm) in size. When symptoms occur, it is usually due to the increasing size of a cyst (5 cm or more) or to multiple cysts that can compress or rupture adjacent structures.
This can lead to symptoms like:
In rare cases, a liver cyst can cause sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen and shoulder.
The causes of liver cysts fall under three broad categories:
On rare occasions, a liver cyst can impinge upon adjacent structures, including bile ducts and blood vessels servicing the liver, causing symptoms. This can lead to complications like:
It is rare for a liver cyst to causeliver failureand even rarer for one to causeliver cancer. Only around 1% to 5% of liver cysts develop precancerous changes; of these, around 30% will become cancerous.
The vast majority of liver cysts areasymptomatic(without symptoms). The discovery of a cyst tends to be incidental with most found during imaging studies for another medical condition.
Medical imaging studies able to detect liver cysts include:
If parasitic infection is suspected, a blood-basedantibody testcan be performed to confirm ifEchinococcustapeworms are present.
Most benign or simple liver cysts don’t need to be treated. Healthcare providers may opt to remove cysts that are growing larger (generally around 5 cm or more) and/or are causing significant, persistent symptoms.
If needed, there are three common approaches to the treatment of liver cysts:
Fenestration
Fenestration is usually done withlaparoscopic surgeryusing tiny “keyhole” incisions, pencil-like operating tools, and a thin fiber-optic scope called anendoscope. Asclerosing(scarring) agent may be injected into the space to close the cavity.
The majority of people who undergo fenestration achieve complete relief, although one in 10 people may experience recurrence.
Hepatectomy
If a liver cyst causes severe liver injury, a more invasive surgery called a partialhepatectomymay be needed. Also known asliver resection, the surgery involves the removal of the cyst and a section of surrounding liver tissue.
A partial hepectomy can be performed laparoscopically or with traditionalopen surgery, usually undergeneral anesthesia.
A radical hepatectomy (the complete removal of the liver) andliver transplantare rarely needed even for severe cases of PLD.
Parasitic Infections
Risks of Liver SurgeryComplications of liver cyst surgery are rare. The most common include:Bile drainage into the abdomenPeritonitis(inflammation of the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity)Abdominal bleedingShortness of breath (dyspnea)Injury to adjacent organs, such as thespleen,small intestine, orpancreas
Risks of Liver Surgery
Complications of liver cyst surgery are rare. The most common include:Bile drainage into the abdomenPeritonitis(inflammation of the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity)Abdominal bleedingShortness of breath (dyspnea)Injury to adjacent organs, such as thespleen,small intestine, orpancreas
Complications of liver cyst surgery are rare. The most common include:
There are no over-the-counter medications or home remedies able to treat liver cysts. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, there are certain things you can do to manage symptoms until a more permanent solution is found.
These include:
Summary
Liver cysts may be something you are born with or happen later in life. They are often harmless and asymptomatic. Most people learn that they have cysts during imaging tests for other reasons.
Even when found, liver cysts may not need treatment unless they are large and causing symptoms. Depending on the cause, treatments may include fenestration, partial hepatectomy, and anti-parasitic drugs.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gomez A, Wisneski AD, Luu HY, et al.Contemporary management of hepatic cyst disease: techniques and outcomes at a tertiary hepatobiliary center.J Gastrointest Surg. 2020 Oct 20;25(1):77–84. doi:10.1007/s11605-020-04821-1Baltagiannis EG, Tsili A, Goussia A, et al.Complex cystic liver lesions: classification, diagnosis, and management.Ann Gastroenterol. 2024 Apr 6;37(3):255–265. doi:10.20524/aog.2024.0876Sotade O, Mouline O, Pulitano C, et al.Surgical management of simple liver cysts: a 10-year single-center experience.J Curr Surg. 2015;5(1):129-132. doi:10.14740/jcs263wUCSF Department of Surgery.Liver cysts.Marrero JA, Ahn J, Rajender Reddy K. American College of Gastroenterology.ACG clinical guideline: the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions.Am J Gastroenterol.2014 Sep;109(9):1328-1347. doi:10.1038/ajg.2014.213Aussilhou B, Dokmak S, Dondero F, et al.Treatment of polycystic liver disease: update on the management.J Visc Surg. 2018 Dec;155(6):471-481. doi:10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2018.07.004Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites: echinococcis.Rawla P, Sunkara T, Muralidharan P, Raj JP.An updated review of cystic hepatic lesions.Clin Exp Hepatol. 2019 Feb 20;5(1):22–29. doi:10.5114/ceh.2019.83153Bizzoca C, Fiore F, Aquilino F, et al.A new technique for the laparoscopic treatment of simple hepatic cysts.Surg Practice Sci.2023;12:100171. doi:10.1016/j.sipas.2023.100171Bernts LHP,, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2018 Oct 17;33(3):691–704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8Furumaya A, van Rosmalen BV, deGraeff JJ, et.al.Systematic review on percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy versus surgery in symptomatic simple hepatic cysts.HPB.January 2021:23(1) 11-21. doi:10.1016/j.hpb.2020.07.005Bernts LHP, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2019;33(3):691-704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8Gomez i Gavara C, Lopez-Andujar R, Ibanez TB, et al.Review of the treatment of liver hydatid cysts.World J Gastroenterol.2015 Jan 7;21(1):124–131. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.124Hartmann KD, Mortensen FV.Surgical treatment of symptomatic simple liver cysts.Dan Med J. 2022 Dec 13;70(1):A08220469American Liver Foundation.Liver disease diets.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gomez A, Wisneski AD, Luu HY, et al.Contemporary management of hepatic cyst disease: techniques and outcomes at a tertiary hepatobiliary center.J Gastrointest Surg. 2020 Oct 20;25(1):77–84. doi:10.1007/s11605-020-04821-1Baltagiannis EG, Tsili A, Goussia A, et al.Complex cystic liver lesions: classification, diagnosis, and management.Ann Gastroenterol. 2024 Apr 6;37(3):255–265. doi:10.20524/aog.2024.0876Sotade O, Mouline O, Pulitano C, et al.Surgical management of simple liver cysts: a 10-year single-center experience.J Curr Surg. 2015;5(1):129-132. doi:10.14740/jcs263wUCSF Department of Surgery.Liver cysts.Marrero JA, Ahn J, Rajender Reddy K. American College of Gastroenterology.ACG clinical guideline: the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions.Am J Gastroenterol.2014 Sep;109(9):1328-1347. doi:10.1038/ajg.2014.213Aussilhou B, Dokmak S, Dondero F, et al.Treatment of polycystic liver disease: update on the management.J Visc Surg. 2018 Dec;155(6):471-481. doi:10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2018.07.004Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites: echinococcis.Rawla P, Sunkara T, Muralidharan P, Raj JP.An updated review of cystic hepatic lesions.Clin Exp Hepatol. 2019 Feb 20;5(1):22–29. doi:10.5114/ceh.2019.83153Bizzoca C, Fiore F, Aquilino F, et al.A new technique for the laparoscopic treatment of simple hepatic cysts.Surg Practice Sci.2023;12:100171. doi:10.1016/j.sipas.2023.100171Bernts LHP,, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2018 Oct 17;33(3):691–704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8Furumaya A, van Rosmalen BV, deGraeff JJ, et.al.Systematic review on percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy versus surgery in symptomatic simple hepatic cysts.HPB.January 2021:23(1) 11-21. doi:10.1016/j.hpb.2020.07.005Bernts LHP, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2019;33(3):691-704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8Gomez i Gavara C, Lopez-Andujar R, Ibanez TB, et al.Review of the treatment of liver hydatid cysts.World J Gastroenterol.2015 Jan 7;21(1):124–131. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.124Hartmann KD, Mortensen FV.Surgical treatment of symptomatic simple liver cysts.Dan Med J. 2022 Dec 13;70(1):A08220469American Liver Foundation.Liver disease diets.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gomez A, Wisneski AD, Luu HY, et al.Contemporary management of hepatic cyst disease: techniques and outcomes at a tertiary hepatobiliary center.J Gastrointest Surg. 2020 Oct 20;25(1):77–84. doi:10.1007/s11605-020-04821-1Baltagiannis EG, Tsili A, Goussia A, et al.Complex cystic liver lesions: classification, diagnosis, and management.Ann Gastroenterol. 2024 Apr 6;37(3):255–265. doi:10.20524/aog.2024.0876Sotade O, Mouline O, Pulitano C, et al.Surgical management of simple liver cysts: a 10-year single-center experience.J Curr Surg. 2015;5(1):129-132. doi:10.14740/jcs263wUCSF Department of Surgery.Liver cysts.Marrero JA, Ahn J, Rajender Reddy K. American College of Gastroenterology.ACG clinical guideline: the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions.Am J Gastroenterol.2014 Sep;109(9):1328-1347. doi:10.1038/ajg.2014.213Aussilhou B, Dokmak S, Dondero F, et al.Treatment of polycystic liver disease: update on the management.J Visc Surg. 2018 Dec;155(6):471-481. doi:10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2018.07.004Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites: echinococcis.Rawla P, Sunkara T, Muralidharan P, Raj JP.An updated review of cystic hepatic lesions.Clin Exp Hepatol. 2019 Feb 20;5(1):22–29. doi:10.5114/ceh.2019.83153Bizzoca C, Fiore F, Aquilino F, et al.A new technique for the laparoscopic treatment of simple hepatic cysts.Surg Practice Sci.2023;12:100171. doi:10.1016/j.sipas.2023.100171Bernts LHP,, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2018 Oct 17;33(3):691–704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8Furumaya A, van Rosmalen BV, deGraeff JJ, et.al.Systematic review on percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy versus surgery in symptomatic simple hepatic cysts.HPB.January 2021:23(1) 11-21. doi:10.1016/j.hpb.2020.07.005Bernts LHP, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2019;33(3):691-704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8Gomez i Gavara C, Lopez-Andujar R, Ibanez TB, et al.Review of the treatment of liver hydatid cysts.World J Gastroenterol.2015 Jan 7;21(1):124–131. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.124Hartmann KD, Mortensen FV.Surgical treatment of symptomatic simple liver cysts.Dan Med J. 2022 Dec 13;70(1):A08220469American Liver Foundation.Liver disease diets.
Gomez A, Wisneski AD, Luu HY, et al.Contemporary management of hepatic cyst disease: techniques and outcomes at a tertiary hepatobiliary center.J Gastrointest Surg. 2020 Oct 20;25(1):77–84. doi:10.1007/s11605-020-04821-1
Baltagiannis EG, Tsili A, Goussia A, et al.Complex cystic liver lesions: classification, diagnosis, and management.Ann Gastroenterol. 2024 Apr 6;37(3):255–265. doi:10.20524/aog.2024.0876
Sotade O, Mouline O, Pulitano C, et al.Surgical management of simple liver cysts: a 10-year single-center experience.J Curr Surg. 2015;5(1):129-132. doi:10.14740/jcs263w
UCSF Department of Surgery.Liver cysts.
Marrero JA, Ahn J, Rajender Reddy K. American College of Gastroenterology.ACG clinical guideline: the diagnosis and management of focal liver lesions.Am J Gastroenterol.2014 Sep;109(9):1328-1347. doi:10.1038/ajg.2014.213
Aussilhou B, Dokmak S, Dondero F, et al.Treatment of polycystic liver disease: update on the management.J Visc Surg. 2018 Dec;155(6):471-481. doi:10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2018.07.004
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites: echinococcis.
Rawla P, Sunkara T, Muralidharan P, Raj JP.An updated review of cystic hepatic lesions.Clin Exp Hepatol. 2019 Feb 20;5(1):22–29. doi:10.5114/ceh.2019.83153
Bizzoca C, Fiore F, Aquilino F, et al.A new technique for the laparoscopic treatment of simple hepatic cysts.Surg Practice Sci.2023;12:100171. doi:10.1016/j.sipas.2023.100171
Bernts LHP,, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2018 Oct 17;33(3):691–704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8
Furumaya A, van Rosmalen BV, deGraeff JJ, et.al.Systematic review on percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy versus surgery in symptomatic simple hepatic cysts.HPB.January 2021:23(1) 11-21. doi:10.1016/j.hpb.2020.07.005
Bernts LHP, Echternach SG, Kievit W, Rosman C, Drenth JPH.Clinical response after laparoscopic fenestration of symptomatic hepatic cysts: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Surg Endosc. 2019;33(3):691-704. doi:10.1007/s00464-018-6490-8
Gomez i Gavara C, Lopez-Andujar R, Ibanez TB, et al.Review of the treatment of liver hydatid cysts.World J Gastroenterol.2015 Jan 7;21(1):124–131. doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.124
Hartmann KD, Mortensen FV.Surgical treatment of symptomatic simple liver cysts.Dan Med J. 2022 Dec 13;70(1):A08220469
American Liver Foundation.Liver disease diets.
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