Liver cysts
Alternative Names
Hepatic cystsWhat is Liver cysts
Liver cysts are thin-walled bubbles or cavities in the liver that may be empty or contain fluid. Sometimes liver cysts may become large or infected. Sizes of liver cysts are from 2 mm to more than 20 cm in diameter.
Signs and symptoms
Usually liver cysts do not cause any symptoms. But if they are large the symptoms may be the followings:
- upper abdominal swelling and discomfort;
- abdominal pain;
- nauseated feeling;
- eruption of the cysts;
- digestive problems;
- shoulder pain;
- liver enlargement;
- blockage of bile ducts;
- infection of the bile ducts.
Possible complications
Complications of liver cysts include:
- infections;
- bile duct obstruction;
- abdominal pain;
- abdominal swelling;
- liver enlargement.
What causes
Some liver cysts are present at the time of birth. They may be the result of abnormalities that appeared during fetal development. Also liver cysts may be caused by:
- echinococcosis;
- polycystic Kidney Disease;
- caroli's disease;
- congenital hepatic fibrosis;
- choledochal cysts.
Prevention
There is no special prevention of liver cysts.
Treatment
In most cases liver cysts do not need treatment. But if the cysts cause problems or if they are infected, surgery may be used to delete them. Also your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection.
