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Liver Cyst
Liver cysts are fluid-filled sacs in liver tissue that are usually benign but can cause discomfort or complications if they enlarge. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Scott provides diagnosis and personalized treatment-from comprehensive imaging to minimally invasive procedures-to manage symptoms.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What is Liver Cyst?
A liver cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the liver. Most are harmless and don�t cause symptoms or need treatment.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Congenital formation before birth
Polycystic liver disease (genetic)
Parasitic infections (hydatid disease)
Female gender and age over 40
Family history of liver or kidney cysts
Signs and Symptoms
Often none when cysts are small
Dull ache or sense of fullness in the upper right abdomen
Bloating or nausea after eating
Heaviness under the ribs
Sudden sharp pain if a cyst bleeds or ruptures
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your epigastric pain pattern, fullness under the ribs, family history of liver or kidney cysts, prior surgeries, and any travel or exposure that could suggest parasitic infection.
Blood Tests
We check liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP), bilirubin, complete blood count (looking for eosinophilia), and hydatid serology if a parasitic cyst is suspected.
Imaging Studies
Ultrasound: First choice to confirm a fluid-filled sac, assess size, wall thickness, and simple versus complex features.
CT scan or MRI: Provides detailed anatomy, delineates multiple or large cysts, evaluates relation to bile ducts and vessels.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
For complex or atypical cysts, Dr. Scott may recommend aspiration with fluid analysis (to rule out infection or malignancy) or, rarely, a percutaneous biopsy to guide management.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for liver cysts.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
Stay hydrated and eat small, balanced meals to support liver health
Limit alcohol and fatty foods to reduce liver strain
Gentle exercise, like walking or swimming, to boost digestion
2. Medications
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen for mild discomfort
Anti-parasitic drugs if hydatid cysts are diagnosed
Close follow-up monitoring to track cyst size and overall liver health
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Aspiration with sclerotherapy: needle drainage followed by alcohol injection to shrink the sac
Laparoscopic fenestration: keyhole surgery to unroof large cysts
Surgical resection for very large or symptomatic cysts when needed
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size of liver cyst is dangerous?
Cysts larger than 5-7 cm can press on nearby organs and may require monitoring or treatment.
Can a liver cyst go away on its own?
Simple liver cysts often remain stable or shrink slightly without intervention.
What causes a liver cyst?
Most liver cysts are congenital. Others arise from genetic conditions like polycystic liver disease or, rarely, parasitic infections.
What are the liver cyst signs and symptoms?
Many liver cysts cause no symptoms. Larger cysts may lead to abdominal fullness, bloating, nausea, or a dull pain in the right upper abdomen.
Do I need surgery for a liver cyst?
Surgery is recommended only for symptomatic cysts, rapid cyst growth, or risk of rupture. Many cysts can be managed with observation or minimally invasive procedures.
What is the liver cyst ICD-10 code?
Healthcare providers use K76.8 for liver cysts in medical documentation and billing.
How soon should I see a doctor in Houston for my liver cyst?
If you experience persistent right-side pain or have a cyst larger than 5 cm, schedule an evaluation with a gastroenterologist promptly.
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