Liver cysts are abnormal sacs in the liver that may contain fluid or a solid mass of cells. Usually, liver cysts do not cause symptoms or require any treatment.
Sometimes, however, if the cysts become large, a person may experience pain or other symptoms that require treatment.
CAUSES
Cysts that grow in the liver are often congenital. This term means that the cysts formed before birth, while a person was developing in the womb.
Liver cysts can also occur at any point during a person’s life for reasons scientists have yet to discover. According to a 2015 study, women are more likely to develop liver cysts than men.
Infection with an Echinococcus tapeworm can also lead to liver cysts. These parasites are often present in farm animals or animals that live on farms, which can include dogs, wolves, and coyotes. A person can become infected with Echinococcus through exposure to the feces of these animals.
Infection with Echinococcus is known as hydatid disease, cystic hydatid disease, or echinococcosis. This condition can also cause cysts in the lungs, kidneys, brain, and other organs around the body.
Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is another condition that can cause liver cysts. PLD is a rare genetic condition, which means that it runs in families.
People with PLD develop multiple cysts throughout their lives, but the condition often causes no symptoms. Many individuals with PLD also have polycystic kidney disease.
Other causes of liver cysts include liver cancer and injury to the liver.
TREATMENT
Most people with liver cysts do not require treatment unless they are experiencing symptoms.
If liver cysts are causing problems, a doctor may drain the cyst by inserting a fine needle through the abdomen. However, this is usually only a temporary treatment as the fluid can return over time.
The most effective treatment for liver cysts is surgical removal. Surgeons can usually remove the cyst using a laparoscopic approach, which involves making only 2 or 3 small incisions into the abdomen. After removal, cysts are unlikely to return.
