Today, the public is becoming more health conscious. Some people have “liver cysts” on ultrasound of the abdomen during routine physical exams and are concerned about whether they are associated with liver cancer.
Here’s a comprehensive look at what liver cysts are and whether they can develop into liver cancer.
What is a liver cyst?
Hepatic cysts are a relatively common benign disease of the liver. It is primarily caused by abnormal development of small bile ducts or lymphatic vessels in the liver during embryonic life, or it may be the result of degenerative changes in the liver ducts, a congenital change.
The cyst wall of a liver cyst is composed of epithelial cells that secrete fluid. If it is constantly secreted or not absorbed as fast as it is secreted, fluid accumulates in the cyst wall, making the cyst larger and larger.
The abdominal ultrasound findings of liver cysts are mainly “single or multiple echogenic areas in the liver.
How do doctors manage liver cysts?
How do doctors manage liver cysts?
Usually small cysts do not have any uncomfortable symptoms and do not affect liver function.
If the cyst grows large enough to cause discomfort or even significant swelling and pain in the liver, your doctor may perform ultrasound-guided cyst fluid aspiration and drainage or surgery to remove the cyst along with the entire cyst wall, and you will need to consult with your doctor for further testing and specific treatment options.
Therefore, there is no need to worry. Liver cysts are benign lesions that do not have a major impact on the body and do not turn into liver cancer, but they need to be checked and followed up regularly at the hospital.