A so-called liver cyst is a cavity filled with fluid. In medicine, a liver cyst is also known as a benign tumor. The condition should not be confused with cystic liver.
What is a liver cyst?
In modern medicine, a basic distinction is made between a so-called liver cyst as well as a so-called cystic liver. Thus, liver cysts usually appear with a roundish shape. A liver cyst always stands out from the surrounding tissue. In addition, a liver cyst has another distinctive feature. In terms of statics, the fluid within the cyst is enclosed by a relatively thin wall. For those affected, however, a liver cyst does not pose a great danger at first. As a result of relatively slow growth, comprehensive treatment often becomes necessary only after several years.
Causes
The occurrence of a liver cyst is usually favored by various factors. Leading medical experts name a hereditary predisposition as one of the most common causes of a liver cyst. In addition to a hereditary predisposition, so-called maldevelopments are also possible causes for the occurrence of liver cysts. Thus, the tissue of the affected person already shows a pathological change before birth. If the liver cyst is a parasitic liver cyst, the primary cause is an infection with a tapeworm. It is not uncommon for a liver cyst to develop as a late consequence of severe violence. However, in order for the most effective therapy to be initiated, a liver cyst must be diagnosed as accurately as possible.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
In many cases, a liver cyst does not cause any symptoms or discomfort. Therefore, it often takes years before the disease is recognized. In hereditary cysts in particular, there are no clear signs of disease, and the cavity does not necessarily require treatment. Occasionally, however, jaundice, pain in the upper abdomen and other complaints may develop. Digestive problems and eating disorders may also occur, often accompanied by loss of appetite and gradual weight loss. Other possible eating disorders include a persistent feeling of fullness and severe cravings. Very large cysts cause severe pressure pain. They can also cause liver dysfunction and a severe feeling of malaise. Externally, a liver cyst usually cannot be detected. Only larger growths cause slight swelling, which can be noticed in the area of the upper abdomen. If the liver cyst is treated early, the symptoms usually subside quickly. After only a few weeks, most patients are completely free of symptoms. However, if no treatment or inadequate treatment is given, the cyst can continue to grow and cause serious liver damage. In extreme cases, liver failure occurs, which can be fatal if left untreated. Before this happens, however, the cyst causes clear symptoms that usually prompt those affected to see a doctor.
Diagnosis and course
Since a liver cyst is accompanied by clinical symptoms only in the rarest of cases, an initial finding is often first made during an incidental ultrasound examination. If there is an initial suspicion of a liver cyst, an examination by computed tomography is considered. In order to obtain the most detailed image possible of the liver cyst, the administration of a so-called contrast medium is ordered as part of the examination. This is the only way to determine whether the cyst may be endangering neighboring vessels or accesses to other organs. In addition to the imaging procedures, a comprehensive blood test is ordered to diagnose a liver cyst. During an extensive blood test, parasites, for example, can be detected as the cause of a liver cyst.
Complications
Liver cysts can lead to multifaceted complications, depending on their size, location, and cause. Large liver cysts of approximately ten centimeters or larger can displace surrounding organs. This is usually associated with pain in the upper abdomen, but can also lead to rupture and bleeding. Larger hemangiomas can also cause functional and circulatory disorders in the liver tissue. In the worst case, this can lead to organ failure.More frequently, biliary fistulas and cysts develop, which on the one hand increase the risk of peritonitis. On the other hand, an overlapping gallbladder inflammation can cause severe secondary symptoms such as jaundice, fever and chills. All complications are associated with severe pain and physical discomfort, which in the long term also affects the psychological condition of the affected person. Treatment of a liver cyst can also cause complications. For example, nerve injuries and bleeding can occur during a surgical procedure. After surgery, scars can lead to dysfunction. In addition, bleeding, post-operative hemorrhage and infection may occur, resulting in health problems (for example, sepsis due to post-operative hemorrhage, hepatitis or peritonitis due to infection). The prescribed drugs can cause allergies and cause various side effects.
When should you see a doctor?
If the affected person suffers from loss of appetite, unwanted weight loss or problems with the digestive tract, a doctor should be consulted. If cravings, a feeling of fullness, bloating or repeated belching after eating occur, a visit to the doctor is advisable. In case of pain, an unpleasant feeling of pressure or
general malaise, a doctor should be consulted. If pain from the upper abdomen spreads further or increases in intensity, a visit to the doctor should be made. Consultation with a physician should always precede the use of any analgesic medication. Swelling, edema or changes in skin appearance should be examined and treated. If yellowing of the skin on the face or body is noticed, this indicates disorders of liver activity. A visit to the doctor is recommended so that treatment can be initiated. If there is a drop in performance level, a feeling of illness or internal weakness, the affected person needs help. Persistent dizziness, nausea or vomiting are also cause for concern. A visit to the doctor is necessary to determine the cause of the complaints. Adults should generally attend regular check-ups and preventive examinations to enable early detection. In addition, because liver cyst causes irreparable organ damage or a fatal course in severe cases, a doctor should be consulted at the first symptoms and irregularities.
Treatment and therapy
Provided that a liver cyst has been clearly diagnosed, a therapy tailored to the patient can be initiated. With regard to the choice of a suitable therapy, in addition to the size of the liver cyst, its location, among other factors, is taken into account. Only if complications are to be expected due to the size as well as the location, surgical removal of the liver cyst is performed. Parasitic cysts are always removed surgically. In this way, the spread of the causative parasites can be prevented. Following the operation, the patient is administered special medication. It is not uncommon for liver cysts to cause irreparable damage to the liver. In this case, liver transplantation is inevitable. As an alternative to surgery, an alternative treatment method is offered, especially for fluid-filled cysts. In a procedure called puncture, the attending physician inserts a relatively thin needle into the cyst. By using an imaging technique, the needle can be positioned precisely. The accumulated fluid is aspirated through the needle. However, with regard to this procedure, the so-called recurrence rate must be taken into account. Often, in most cases, the remaining cavity fills with fluid again. Further treatment is then mandatory.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of the liver cyst depends on the location as well as the size of the cyst. In most cases, the liver cyst goes unnoticed for many years or is treated late because of its slow growth. However, complications and adversities can still occur. Without checkups or medical treatment, there is a possibility that organ failure will occur. This means that the affected person is in a life-threatening condition. In the case of surgical removal of the cyst, the patient is normally discharged as recovered after the wound healing process. This is followed by a follow-up visit, but no further therapy is necessary. This favorable prognosis deteriorates as soon as complications occur during the operation.If surrounding tissue has been damaged, this can lead to long-term restrictions in function. This development is also possible if the cyst is particularly large or located in an unfavorable position. If irreparable damage to the organ occurs, a donor liver is needed. Otherwise, the average life expectancy of the affected person is significantly shortened. Organ transplantation is very complex and can present numerous challenges. Nevertheless, this treatment method is the only therapeutic option in the case of existing organ damage. If the donor organ is accepted by the organism, the patient’s survival is assured.
Prevention
Owners of pets in particular can actively prevent a liver cyst. Because a parasitic liver cyst is always caused by a tapeworm, pets present in the household should undergo regular worming. If a liver cyst is based on a hereditary predisposition, effective prevention is not possible. People who have already undergone treatment for cysts can prevent cysts from forming again by taking special preparations. However, these preparations often have strong side effects and should be discussed with the doctor.
Aftercare
Comprehensive aftercare is needed after cysts have been treated. The patient must consult a physician at regular intervals, who can perform a check-up and initiate further measures. It is important to monitor the course of the disease and clarify any complaints. If there are signs that cysts have formed again, treatment must be initiated. Cysts are usually detected during an ultrasound or computed tomography examination. If complications or complaints occur, such an examination must be performed again. If the course is positive, visits to the doctor can be gradually reduced. In the first weeks of remission, the patient should consult the doctor regularly. After a few weeks, when no complications have been noted, visits to the doctor can be reduced to once a month, every three months, and finally every six months. Patients diagnosed with a liver cyst must have medical checkups for the rest of their lives, as there is an increased risk of recurrence. Follow-up care is usually provided by the physician who was already responsible for treating the cyst. Depending on the symptom picture, other physicians such as a nutritionist or an internist may need to be consulted.
What you can do yourself
Patients suffering from a liver cyst require medical treatment. Accompanying the medical therapy, some self-help measures can be used to combat the individual symptoms. First of all, the diet should be changed. Foods such as steamed vegetables, cereals, bread and fruit juices alleviate the symptoms and soothe the irritated gastrointestinal tract. For abdominal pain, proven home remedies such as a rolling cure with chamomile tea or relaxation exercises help. The doctor will also recommend bed rest and sparing. Since weight loss usually also occurs in connection with a liver cyst, appropriate countermeasures must be taken: Drink plenty of fluids, eat as balanced a diet as possible despite symptoms, and take nutritional supplements if deficiencies are present. Appetite stimulants from the drugstore help against loss of appetite and bloating. The liver cyst itself can usually only be treated surgically. Those affected should consult closely with the responsible physician and follow his or her instructions. Especially after the operation, it is important to take care of the body and especially the liver. Accompanying this, the cause of the liver cyst must be determined. Depending on what the trigger is, preventive measures can then be taken to avoid recurrence of the cyst.
