Liver Cyst

What is a Liver Cyst?

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.

Common Symptoms

Many people with liver cysts experience no symptoms. When a cyst grows large enough, you may notice:

• Mild pain or a sense of fullness under the right ribs
• Bloating or discomfort after meals
• Nausea or indigestion
• Pressure sensation or a palpable lump

Symptom severity often relates to cyst size:

• Small (<3 cm): usually asymptomatic
• Medium (3-5 cm): mild discomfort or fullness
• Large (>5 cm): noticeable pain, pressure, or visible bulge

Causes

While many simple liver cysts arise without a clear trigger, known contributing factors include:

• Genetic predisposition or inherited polycystic liver disease
• Obstruction of small bile ducts leading to fluid buildup
• Remnant embryonic cells forming fluid-filled pockets
• Rarely, infections, tumors, or liver injury can produce complex cysts

Treatment Options for Liver Cysts in Jersey Village

Treatment includes monitoring, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery:

• Watchful waiting: Regular ultrasounds or CT scans to track cyst size and detect any changes early.
• Aspiration sclerotherapy: Draining cyst fluid with a needle and injecting a sclerosing agent to reduce recurrence.
• Laparoscopic cyst removal: Minimally invasive surgery to excise or fenestrate cyst walls, shortening recovery time.
• Open surgery: Reserved for very large or complex cysts; allows direct access for complete removal.
• Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription analgesics and antispasmodics to relieve discomfort.
• Dietary adjustments: Light, low-fat meals and small, frequent portions can help minimize post-meal bloating and fullness.