From the Guidelines
Liver cysts generally don't require treatment unless they cause symptoms or complications, and asymptomatic simple liver cysts do not need regular monitoring with ultrasound or CT scans. Most liver cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and are discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions 1. If you have asymptomatic simple liver cysts, no follow-up is necessary, as stated in the EASL clinical practice guidelines on the management of cystic liver diseases, with a strong recommendation and 96% consensus 1. However, if cysts cause pain, discomfort, or pressure on surrounding organs, treatment may be necessary. Options include percutaneous aspiration (draining the fluid with a needle) with or without sclerotherapy, or surgical interventions like laparoscopic deroofing for larger symptomatic cysts.
- The treatment of choice for symptomatic simple hepatic cysts without biliary communication is the best locally available volume-reducing therapy, with a strong recommendation and 100% consensus 1.
- Certain types of liver cysts, such as those in polycystic liver disease or hydatid cysts from parasitic infections, may require specific management approaches.
- If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fullness, nausea, or jaundice, consult a healthcare provider promptly, as these could be signs of complications such as infection or hemorrhage 1.
- Liver cysts rarely become malignant, but any changes in size or characteristics should be evaluated by a specialist to rule out more serious conditions like cystadenomas or cystadenocarcinomas.
From the Research
Liver Cysts Concerns
- Liver cysts, particularly hydatid liver cysts, can be a concern due to their potential to cause complications and the need for effective treatment options 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The use of percutaneous imaging-guided treatment, such as PAIR (percutaneous aspiration, injection, and reaspiration), has been shown to be effective in treating hydatid liver cysts, with success rates ranging from 80% to 96.1% 2, 4
- Adjuvant albendazole treatment has been found to decrease the recurrence rate of hydatid liver cysts when used in conjunction with PAIR, with a recommended treatment duration of 1 week before and 1 month after the procedure 4
- Different scolicidal agents, such as hypertonic saline and albendazole, have been compared in terms of their effectiveness in treating hydatid liver cysts, with no significant difference found between the two 5
- Ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for hydatid liver cysts in children, with significant reduction in cyst volume and no major complications reported 6
Treatment Options
- PAIR (percutaneous aspiration, injection, and reaspiration) with adjuvant albendazole treatment is a recommended treatment option for hydatid liver cysts 2, 4
- Ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy is a viable treatment option for hydatid liver cysts in children 6
- The use of different scolicidal agents, such as hypertonic saline and albendazole, can be considered in the treatment of hydatid liver cysts 5
Complications and Recurrence
- Complications, such as anaphylaxis, pneumothorax, and severe pain, can occur during or after percutaneous treatment of hydatid liver cysts 2
- Recurrence rates can be reduced with the use of adjuvant albendazole treatment 4
- Regular follow-up examinations are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect any potential complications or recurrence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6