Between 2.5% and 18% of people are affected by liver cysts at some point in their life.
It is rare for liver cysts to cause liver cancer or liver failure.
Many people can live with cysts for a lifetime without any problems.
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Diagnosis
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.
In such cases, the cyst can sometimes be detected bypalpation(light touch) during a physical exam.
If parasitic infection is suspected, a blood-basedantibody testcan be performed to confirm ifEchinococcustapeworms are present.
Treatment
Most benign or simple liver cysts don’t need to be treated.
The fluid can then drain into the abdomen or be absorbed by the body.
Fenestrations of simple cysts are typically performed underlocal anesthesia.
Asclerosing(scarring) agent may be injected into the space to terminate the cavity.
The majority of people who undergo fenestration achieve complete relief, although one in 10 people may experience recurrence.
A partial hepectomy can be performed laparoscopically or with traditionalopen surgery, usually undergeneral anesthesia.
Risks of Liver Surgery
Complications of liver cyst surgery are rare.
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.
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