How to determine whether a liver cyst is benign or malignant

Written by Liu Wu Cai

Hepatobiliary Surgery

Updated on September 21, 2024

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If confirmed to be a liver cyst, it is generally a benign tumor. When the liver cyst is small in size, there are usually no obvious symptoms, and most are discovered during an ultrasound examination. For larger liver cysts, the patient may experience local compression symptoms, liver pain, and it may also affect liver function. Therefore, for larger liver cysts, surgical removal should be carried out as soon as possible to improve the prognosis of the patient. Additionally, for patients with smaller liver cysts, regular ultrasound check-ups are also necessary to dynamically observe changes in size. If there is a significant increase in a short period of time and the growth rate is too rapid, surgical removal should be carried out as soon as possible to improve the patient’s prognosis.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

54sec

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What is the best treatment for liver cysts?

Liver cysts that are generally smaller than six centimeters do not require treatment, and surgical treatment of liver cysts is necessary for cysts larger than six centimeters. The most common surgical method for treating liver cysts is fenestration of the cyst, which involves removing part of the cyst wall. The cyst fluid can then be directly drained into the abdominal cavity through the opening, and as the surgery concludes, the remaining cyst wall adheres and causes the cyst to be completely absorbed. Another method is percutaneous drainage of the liver cyst, but this method may easily recur; thus, the best current treatment method is still fenestration surgery. Additionally, patients with liver cysts must abstain from alcohol and should not drink alcohol.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai

Hepatobiliary Surgery

45sec

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What should I do if a liver cyst fever does not go away?

If a patient with a liver cyst presents with a fever, it often indicates a concurrent liver abscess. For liver abscesses, treatment should involve the early selection of sensitive antibiotics to combat infection. Only when the inflammation is controlled can the condition be alleviated. Of course, if the condition is severe, especially when a significant abscess has formed, liver function abnormalities may also occur. In this case, puncture and drainage are necessary to better expel the pus and achieve superior therapeutic results. Additionally, the patient's diet should be light and consist of easily digestible foods to reduce the burden on the liver, facilitating recovery. Simultaneously, medications to reduce fever should also be considered.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai

Hepatobiliary Surgery

49sec

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Can liver cysts cause fever?

Patients with liver cysts generally do not experience fever. Liver cysts are a common type of benign tumor, and most do not exhibit any symptoms and are discovered during ultrasound examinations. In such cases, no special treatment is required; regular follow-up ultrasounds to monitor any changes in size are sufficient. However, larger liver cysts may cause pain in the liver area, compression, or even liver function abnormalities. If a liver abscess is also present, as it is a type of purulent infection, the patient may experience fever. Generally, simple liver cysts do not cause fever. If fever occurs, it should be taken seriously, and further examinations should be completed to identify the cause, and treatment should be directed at this cause to achieve a better prognosis.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai

Hepatobiliary Surgery

55sec

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Can liver cysts become cancerous?

Liver cysts might possibly undergo malignant transformation. Liver cysts are commonly seen and considered benign tumors of the liver. When they are small, they generally do not cause noticeable discomfort and do not require special treatment. However, regular follow-up ultrasound exams are still necessary to dynamically observe any changes in the condition. This is because liver cysts might potentially undergo malignant transformation, especially under conditions of repeated inflammatory stimulation or significant liver burden. Under these circumstances, the cyst might show rapid and noticeable growth and might grow too quickly. Therefore, early surgical removal is advisable for better treatment results. Additionally, in patients with larger liver cysts, local compression symptoms might occur. Even though the tumor is benign, surgical removal is recommended.

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Written by Liu Wu Cai

Hepatobiliary Surgery

45sec

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Can liver cysts heal on their own?

Generally speaking, liver cysts cannot heal themselves, as regardless of their size, liver cysts are mostly caused by congenital factors. Therefore, although they do not require special treatment, the body cannot cure them either. When liver cysts are present, first of all, the decision should be based on the cause and size of the cysts. For patients with small liver cysts, there are generally no obvious symptoms and no special treatment is needed. Regular follow-up with ultrasound should be done to monitor any changes in size. For patients with larger liver cysts, local compression symptoms may occur, and if liver function abnormalities appear, surgical removal is necessary to achieve treatment benefits and prevent worsening of the condition.