1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Liver Cyst
At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Nghia Nguyen provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for liver cysts. From imaging tests like ultrasound and MRI to minimally invasive procedures, her compassionate team offers comprehensive care and tailored plans to effectively manage symptoms.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Developmental bile duct malformation (simple cysts formed before birth)
Parasitic infection (hydatid disease from Echinococcus tapeworm)
Polycystic liver disease, often with a family history
Coexisting polycystic kidney disease in the family
Signs and Symptoms
Often none—cysts are found incidentally on imaging
Mild to moderate pain or fullness in the upper right abdomen
Bloating, nausea, or early feeling of fullness
Possible palpable mass under the right ribs when large
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Liver Cysts?
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Physical Exam
She reviews your symptoms—epigastric and right-upper-quadrant pain, fullness, bloating—and asks about family history of liver or kidney cysts. During the exam, he checks for tenderness, palpable masses under the ribs, and signs of infection.
Blood Tests
We obtain liver function tests (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) and complete blood count to assess for inflammation or infection. If a parasitic cyst is suspected, serologic testing for Echinococcus antibodies may be ordered.
Imaging Studies
Ultrasound: First-line to confirm a simple fluid-filled cyst and measure its size.
CT or MRI: Performed when ultrasound findings are complex or to rule out cystic tumors and assess adjacent structures.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Rarely, a contrast-enhanced MRI or biopsy is used to characterize atypical cysts or exclude malignancy.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for liver cysts.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean protein
Stay hydrated and limit salt to reduce bloating
Maintain a healthy weight to ease abdominal pressure
2. Medications
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for mild discomfort
Antibiotics: Targeted antibiotics if a cyst becomes infected
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Aspiration with sclerotherapy: Drain fluid and inject a solution to shrink the cyst
Laparoscopic cyst fenestration: Keyhole surgery to remove or open the cyst wall
Open surgery: Reserved for very large or complex cysts
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of liver cyst is dangerous?
Most simple liver cysts under 5 cm are generally harmless. Cysts larger than 10 cm may press on surrounding structures, cause pain or complications, and often require monitoring or treatment.
How is a liver cyst diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with an abdominal ultrasound. If there's concern for complexity, a CT or MRI scan is performed. Blood tests help assess liver function and rule out infection.
What causes a liver cyst?
Simple liver cysts arise from developmental bile duct malformations. Rare causes include parasitic infection (echinococcosis) or inherited polycystic liver disease.
Can diet affect liver cysts?
While diet won't shrink a cyst, eating a balanced, low‐salt diet and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce bloating and support overall liver health.
What is the liver cyst ICD-10 code?
In ICD-10 coding, a simple liver cyst is classified as K76.8 (other specified diseases of liver).
Are liver cysts cancerous?
Simple liver cysts are almost always benign. Complex cysts or those with irregular features on imaging need further evaluation to exclude rare tumors.
When should I see a doctor?
If you experience persistent right‐upper‐abdominal pain, bloating, early satiety or detect an unexplained mass, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Nguyen.
Related Blogs
What Are The Treatment Options for My Loved One with Colon Cancer?
