A liver cyst, also called a hepatic cyst, is a fluid-filled sac in the liver. Simple cysts have thin walls and clear fluid and are usually harmless. Complex cysts may feature thicker walls or internal structures and often require further evaluation.
Most liver cysts cause no symptoms. When they do, it's typically because the cyst has grown large enough to press on nearby organs:
While the exact reason cysts form isn't always clear, common factors include:
At GastroDoxs in Houston, our expert team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of liver cysts, from simple monitoring to advanced interventions. We combine state-of-the-art imaging, personalized care plans, and minimally invasive techniques to ensure you receive the right treatment at the right time. Don't wait to get relief-book your appointment today and take the first step toward clear answers and better liver health.
We've successfully treated more than 244 patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.
With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Most liver cysts under 5 cm are generally not a concern. Cysts larger than 10 cm may cause symptoms or complications and often require drainage or surgical removal.
When symptoms occur, they typically include a dull ache or fullness in the upper right abdomen, nausea or bloating after meals, and a sense of pressure in the belly.
There is no proven oral medication to dissolve liver cysts. In selected cases, sclerotherapy (injecting a scarring agent) or percutaneous drainage can effectively reduce cyst size.
The primary code for an unspecified liver cyst is K76.8. Other related codes include K76.89 for specified liver diseases and Q61.3 for polycystic liver disease.
Liver cysts may arise from developmental bile duct malformations, genetic conditions like polycystic liver disease, prior liver injury, or-rarely-parasitic infections.
Most liver cysts are detected incidentally during imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, typically performed for unrelated reasons.
The majority of simple liver cysts are benign and asymptomatic. However, large or complex cysts can cause pain or complications and may need intervention.
Signs include persistent upper right abdominal pain or fullness, nausea, bloating, and evidence of rapid growth or unusual features on imaging.
You should consult a specialist if your cyst is large (over 5-10 cm), causes symptoms, or displays complex characteristics on ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
At GastroDoxs in Houston, we provide accurate diagnosis using the proper ICD-10 codes, personalized treatment plans-including observation, drainage, sclerotherapy, or surgery-and ongoing support throughout your care.
