Hepatology

Hepatic Cysts

Liver cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the liver. They’re benign growths, meaning they aren’t cancerous. These cysts generally don’t require treatment unless symptoms develop, and they rarely affect liver function. 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.

·         Simple cysts

·         Multiple cysts arising in the setting of polycystic liver disease (PCLD)

·         Parasitic or hydatid (echinococcal) cysts

·         Cystic tumors

·         Abscesses

Ductal cysts, choledochal cysts, and Caroli disease are differentiated from hepatic cysts by involvement of the bile ducts and are not reviewed in this article.