Overview
Liver cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the liver and are usually benign (non-cancerous). They are relatively uncommon, affecting about 5% of the population. Most liver cysts cause no symptoms and do not impact liver function, requiring no treatment unless complications arise. Some individuals may have a single cyst (simple cyst) with no noticeable effects, while others may develop polycystic liver disease (PLD), a condition marked by multiple cysts on the liver. Despite the presence of multiple cysts, the liver often continues to function normally, and PLD does not typically reduce life expectancy.
For expert liver cyst diagnosis and treatment, consult Dr. Ujwal Zambare, an experienced Gastroenterologist in Wakad, Pune. Early evaluation ensures proper monitoring and treatment if needed.

Symptoms
Because a small liver cyst doesn’t usually cause symptoms, it can go undiagnosed for years. It isn’t until the cyst enlarges that some people experience pain and other discomfort. As the cyst becomes bigger, symptoms might include abdominal bloating or pain in the upper right section of the stomach. If you experience significant enlargement, you might be able to feel the cyst from the outside of your stomach. Sharp and sudden pain in the upper section of your stomach can occur if the cyst begins to bleed. Sometimes, bleeding stops on its own without medical treatment. If so, pain and other symptoms may improve within a couple of days.
Causes of a Liver Cyst
Liver cysts are the result of a malformation in the bile ducts, although the exact cause of this malformation is unknown. Bile is a fluid made by the liver, which aids in digestion. This fluid travels from the liver to the gallbladder through ducts or tube-like structures. Some people are born with liver cysts, whereas others don’t develop cysts until they’re much older. Even when cysts are present at birth, they might go undetected until symptoms arise later in adulthood. There’s also a link between liver cysts and a parasite called echinococcus. This parasite is found in areas where cattle and sheep live. You can become infected if you ingest contaminated food. The parasite can cause the development of cysts in different parts of the body, including the liver.
How is it Diagnosed?
Because some liver cysts don’t cause noticeable symptoms, treatment isn’t always necessary. If you decide to see a doctor for abdominal pain or abdominal enlargement, your doctor may order an imaging test to check for any abnormalities with your liver. You may likely undergo an ultrasound or a CT scan of your abdomen. Both procedures create images of the inside of your body, which your doctor will use to confirm or rule out a cyst or a mass.
How to Treat a Liver Cyst?
Your doctor may choose not to treat a small cyst, instead suggesting a wait-and-see approach. If the cyst becomes larger and causes pain or bleeding, your doctor may discuss treatment options at that time. One treatment option involves inserting a needle into your abdomen and surgically draining fluid from the cyst. This procedure may only provide a temporary fix, and the cyst may refill with fluid later on. To avoid a recurrence, another option is to surgically remove the entire cyst. Your doctor can complete this surgery using a technique called laparoscopy. This minimally invasive procedure only requires two or three small incisions, and your doctor performs the surgery using a small instrument called a laparoscope. Typically, you’ll only remain in the hospital for one night, and it only takes two weeks to make a full recovery.
Consult a doctor for liver cysts if you experience persistent abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice. While most cysts are harmless, large or symptomatic cysts may require evaluation to prevent complications. For liver cyst, visit Dr. Ujwal Zambare for liver treatment in Wakad, Pune.