Liver cyst – causes, complaints & therapy

Liver cyst

A liver cyst is a cavity located in the liver tissue and filled with fluid. Doctors count liver cysts among the benign tumors. There are different types of liver cysts.

What is a liver cyst?

The liver cyst is considered a benign tumor. They usually arise as maldevelopment in the womb. A liver cyst in most cases occurs in a rounded form. The fluid of the cyst is surrounded by a comparatively thin wall.

Liver cysts often cause no discomfort for a very long time, as they usually grow very slowly. Therefore, these changes are often discovered only by chance in other studies. However, treatment is not always required immediately. A liver cyst should not be confused with the so-called cyst liver.

Causes

The development of a liver cyst is favored by various causes. In most cases, however, this cyst formation is caused by hereditary factors. But traumatic events, such as accidents or strong violence, can also lead to the formation of a liver cyst. Also, infection with a tapeworm can provoke a liver cyst, then it is called a parasitic liver cyst.But also bile diseases and in very rare cases cirrhosis of the liver, can cause a liver cyst to develop. In most cases, however, liver cysts exist from birth and have already formed in the womb. In addition to the hereditary factors mentioned, the development can also be present due to a general developmental disorder.

Symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of the liver cyst:

In most cases, liver cysts do not cause any discomfort. Especially with these cysts, which have existed since birth, many years can pass before symptoms occur and treatment is required. In very many cases, liver cysts are discovered only by chance. But even then it is not necessary to immediately initiate treatment. Many more years can pass without reason for therapy.

If a liver cyst causes discomfort, these are very typical symptoms. Often there is pain in the upper abdomen and often occurring bloating. Loss of appetite and weight loss may be added. Under certain circumstances, jaundice may develop. This is especially the case with very large cysts. Therefore, strongly growing liver cysts are also removed to prevent the development of jaundice.

Diagnosis

A liver cyst can be detected by an ultrasound examination. Since there are often no complaints, a liver cyst is discovered by chance in many cases, for example when an ultrasound is performed for other reasons. To confirm the diagnosis, if a liver cyst is suspected, a computed tomography is then performed. A contrast agent is used to accurately assess the extent of the cyst. To determine the cause of the liver cyst, blood samples are also taken, which are then examined in the laboratory. In the process, parasites can be discovered that are responsible for the liver cyst.

Complications

Depending on where they occur, how large they are and the underlying cause, liver cysts can lead to various complications. Larger liver cysts displace the surrounding organs, causing ruptures and bleeding. In addition, functional and circulatory disorders can occur in the liver tissue and lead to organ failure in a severe course. A hemangioma can also promote bile cysts and bile fistulas, associated with the risk of peritonitis or gallbladder inflammation. This can result in secondary symptoms such as fever and chills.

If the cyst squeezes the bile duct system, jaundice can develop, which is also associated with fever, severe pain and other secondary symptoms. When treating a liver cyst surgically, there is always a certain risk of nerve or tissue damage. Wound healing disorders and the formation of scars cannot be ruled out either. Painkillers and sedatives can cause side effects and interactions. Allergic reactions cannot be ruled out either. Some patients also develop addictive behavior that is associated with physical and psychological problems.

treatment and therapy

A liver cyst does not always need to be treated. Even if discovered accidentally, no treatment is necessary unless there are symptoms that may result from the cyst. In any case, it should always be clarified whether it is a parasitic liver cyst. If parasites are detected by a blood test, they must be combated, because otherwise there can be further consequential damage, which can be of considerable magnitude. In addition, the cyst must be surgically removed.

If parasites have been ruled out and the liver cyst is completely symptom-free for the patient, no immediate treatment is required. In these cases, however, regular check-ups are strongly recommended. It is checked how the growth of the cyst behaves and whether there are any conditions that require treatment.

The examination intervals recommended by the doctor treating you should therefore be strictly observed. If it is determined during these check-ups that the liver cyst has reached a certain size, which in the meantime could lead to irreparable damage to the liver, an operation must be considered. However, such an operation is only performed if the nature of the cyst allows complications during the operation to be ruled out.

Another form of therapy is a so-called puncture. A needle is inserted into the liver cyst in order to suck out the accumulated fluid. However, this treatment method does not always promise lasting success. Very often the cyst fills up again and further punctures are necessary. if it is an inoperable cyst or the cyst has already caused considerable damage to the liver, the only option left is a liver transplant to heal the affected patient.

Prevention

Since most liver cysts are present from birth, effective prevention is hardly possible. If a liver cyst is found, it is all the more important to have it checked regularly. This is the only way to ensure that the liver does not suffer any serious damage. Only in the case of liver cysts caused by parasites are there preventive measures, and this is where Dog and cat owners are particularly in demand.Since tapeworms, which can cause a liver cyst, also infest these pets and can be transmitted to humans, regular deworming of the animal is an effective protection for humans.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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