What is Liver Cyst? How Does It Occur?

Liver cysts are common and usually harmless structures that can be defined as fluid-filled sacs in the liver. These cysts, which are often asymptomatic and detected incidentally, can grow in some cases, affect liver function and require treatment. In this article we have written for you, we will try to answer the questions of what is a liver cyst, how it occurs and what are its symptoms.

What Is Liver Cyst?

A liver cyst is a thin-walled and round structure filled with fluid inside the liver. These cysts, which are usually harmless, usually do not show symptoms and are detected incidentally by imaging methods such as ultrasound or tomography. The vast majority of liver cysts are simple cysts and do not require any treatment. However, in some cases, cysts can grow and cause complications.

How Does Liver Cyst Occur?

Although the exact cause of liver cysts is unknown, it is generally thought to be caused by congenital abnormalities and blockage of bile ducts within the liver. In addition, some infections and parasites can also cause liver cysts. In particular, a type of cyst called hydatid cyst is the result of hydatid disease caused by a parasite called Echinococcus granulosus.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Liver Cyst?

Liver cysts, which usually do not cause symptoms, may cause some symptoms as they grow and compress neighboring organs. These symptoms can be explained as follows;

• As the cysts grow, pain and discomfort may occur in the abdomen.
• Large cysts may cause a feeling of bloating and fullness in the abdomen.
• The size and location of the cysts may cause loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Cysts can compress the bile ducts, block bile flow, and cause jaundice.
• If the cysts become infected, fever and other signs of infection may occur.

Symptoms of liver cysts can affect the quality of life and lead to complications. Therefore, in suspicious cases, a specialist should be consulted and necessary examinations should be performed.

What Are The Types of Liver Cysts?

Liver cysts can be defined as fluid-filled sacs in the liver. These usually harmless cysts can sometimes cause symptoms and health problems. Liver cysts can be of various types and these types can be listed as follows;

Simple Liver Cysts: Such cysts are usually congenital cysts that occur later in life. Simple liver cysts are usually harmless and do not cause any symptoms.

Parasitic Liver Cysts: These are cysts caused by parasitic infections such as echinococcosis and amebiasis. Such cysts should be treated as they can spread the infection and cause complications.

Polycystic liver disease (PCD): This disease, which occurs as a result of a genetic disorder and in which there are many cysts in the liver, can sometimes cause the formation of cysts in the kidneys.

Cystic Tumours: Some of the fluid-filled masses in the liver may be benign or malignant tumors. Cystic tumors may increase the risk of liver cancer and may require treatment.

Polycystic Liver Disease

Polycystic liver disease (PCD) is a condition in which multiple cysts form in the liver as a result of a genetic disorder. It usually occurs in adulthood and is more common in women than in men. PCa is sometimes associated with polycystic kidney disease and can affect both organs.

Symptoms of PCa can be as follows;

• Abdominal pain,
• Bloating,
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Liver enlargement,

Treatment of polycystic liver disease varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and the size of the cysts. Treatment options include painkillers, drainage of the cysts and, in rare cases, liver transplantation.

How Are Liver Cysts Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of liver cysts usually occurs by chance during imaging tests performed for another reason. Imaging methods used to detect cysts are as follows:

• Ultrasonography,
• Computed Tomography (CT),
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),

After diagnosis, doctors can try to determine the cause of the cysts and evaluate appropriate treatment options.

What Are The Treatment Methods For Liver Cysts?

Liver cysts are defined as fluid-filled sacs in the liver. These cysts, which are mostly harmless and asymptomatic, can grow and cause discomfort in some cases. Treatment of liver cysts is determined according to the size, number, location, and general health status of the patient. The treatment methods used in liver cysts can be briefly explained as follows;

Small and asymptomatic cysts usually do not require treatment. In this case, the doctor may recommend regular ultrasound or tomography examinations to monitor the size and development of the cyst.

Drug treatment can be applied for parasitic cysts (hydatid cysts). This treatment kills the parasite and helps to shrink the cyst and reduce symptoms.

It is the process of draining the fluid inside the cyst by pulling it out with the help of a thin needle. This procedure is performed under ultrasound or tomography guidance and reduces the discomfort in the organs compressed by the cyst.

After aspiration, alcohol or other sclerosing substances are injected into the cyst to prevent the cyst from refilling.

Surgical treatment can be performed for large, symptomatic, or complicated cysts. Methods such as complete removal of the cyst (cystectomy) or removal of the cyst wall after opening the cyst and draining its contents (marsupialization) can be used.

What Are The Risks of Liver Cyst Surgery?

As in every surgical procedure, there are some risks in liver cyst operations. These risks can be explained as follows;

• Anesthesia complications,
• Hemorrhage,
• Infection diseases
• Liver damage,
• Risk of cyst recurrence,
• Don’t damage the internal organs,
• Postoperative leakage and fluid accumulation.

After Liver Cyst Surgery

After liver cyst surgery, patients usually need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Some conditions that patients may experience in the postoperative period are as follows;

• Pain and discomfort may be felt in the operation area. Doctors may recommend painkillers to control this condition.

• It is important to keep the operation area clean and dry. Patients should perform wound care regularly according to the doctor’s recommendations.

• In the postoperative period, it is important that patients follow a light and healthy diet that will not burden their liver.

• It is important that patients start to move and return to their daily activities according to the doctor’s recommendations. Excessive strain should be avoided and gradually return to normal life.

• In the postoperative period, it is important that patients go to the doctor regularly and undergo the necessary examinations. In this way, possible complications can be detected early and necessary measures can be taken.

What Happens When Liver Cyst Is Not Treated?

Liver cysts are defined as fluid-filled sacs in the liver. These cysts, which are usually harmless and asymptomatic, can grow in some cases and cause serious health problems. When the liver cyst is not treated, the following complications and problems may occur;

• An untreated liver cyst can grow over time and interfere with the normal functions of the liver. In addition, the growing cyst can cause discomfort and pain in the abdomen.

• The fluid inside the cysts can provide a favorable environment for bacterial infections. Infected cysts can cause inflammation and pain in the liver.

• If the fluid inside the cyst mixes with blood, bleeding of the cyst occurs. This can cause pain and swelling in the liver.

• The walls of growing cysts may weaken and rupture. This can cause the fluid in the cyst to spill into the abdominal cavity and lead to intra-abdominal infections.

• The presence of many or large cysts in the liver can cause the liver to be unable to perform its normal functions. This can lead to liver failure and serious health problems.

Ways To Prevent Liver Cysts

Although there is no definite method to prevent the formation of liver cysts, you can protect your liver health by taking some precautions.

Follow a balanced and healthy diet to protect your liver. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, and avoid fatty and processed foods.

Excessive alcohol consumption can cause fatty liver and inflammation. You can protect your liver health by reducing alcohol consumption.

Regular exercise is important for liver health. You can support your liver by doing moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week.

Some medicines can have toxic effects on the liver. Follow your doctor’s recommendations when using medication and avoid unnecessary medication.

Pay attention to hygiene rules and get the necessary vaccinations to prevent infections that cause the formation of liver cysts.

Consult your doctor regularly to monitor your liver health and have the necessary scans. In this way, early diagnosis and treatment of possible cysts will be possible.

Liver Cyst Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious, and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Liver Cyst Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be right to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.