How To Diagnose And Treat Liver Cysts

Also known as hepatic cysts, liver cysts are believed to affect approximately five percent of individuals in the United States. The cysts are small sacs of fluid that form on the liver, and the majority of patients will have only a single cyst. Most liver cysts produce no symptoms and require no treatment. If symptoms do develop, these may include abdominal fullness or pain. If bleeding into the liver cyst occurs, patients could experience severe pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, and this pain may radiate to the shoulder. Hepatic cysts cause no issues with liver function. In cases where treatment is necessary, doctors normally recommend removal of the cysts or cyst wall. Medications known as somatostatin analogs are currently being researched as a nonsurgical treatment option.