A liver cyst is a round, fluid-filled sac that develops within liver tissue. Cysts may be simple (thin-walled and benign) or complex (thicker walls or internal septations). Most are harmless and found incidentally during imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
Many people with liver cysts experience no symptoms. When a cyst grows large enough, you may notice:
Symptom severity often relates to cyst size:
While many simple liver cysts arise without a clear trigger, known contributing factors include:
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Liver cysts are very common, occurring in up to 5% of adults, often found incidentally on imaging studies when they cause no symptoms.
Most liver cysts are benign and do not become cancerous; however, complex or unusual cysts may require further evaluation to rule out malignancy.
Many liver cysts are asymptomatic, but when symptoms occur they can include mild upper?right abdominal pain, a feeling of fullness after small meals, nausea, or bloating.
Liver cysts are typically diagnosed through imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, which help determine the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst.
Cysts in the liver can result from congenital developmental issues, parasitic infections like echinococcus, genetic conditions such as polycystic liver disease, trauma, or biliary tract obstructions.
Tiny liver cysts are usually benign and not dangerous; they are often monitored over time with periodic imaging to ensure they do not grow or cause symptoms.
Surgery is only necessary for hepatic lobe cysts that are large, painful, symptomatic, or display atypical features; minimally invasive options are preferred when intervention is needed.
While rare, a liver cyst can cause jaundice if it compresses the bile ducts and obstructs bile flow, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
The ICD-10 code for other specified diseases of the liver, including liver cysts, is K76.8.
Follow-up imaging for liver cysts is generally recommended every 6 to 12 months, depending on the size of the cyst and any associated symptoms.
