Are liver cysts dangerous? Things need to notice

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Gastroenterology - Endoscopy, Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Liver cyst is a phenomenon that forms an empty space containing fluid in the liver, it is considered a benign tumor, not causing cancer. According to the statistics of experts, this disease is not so common but only accounts for about 5% of the population and is very rare in patients under 40 years old.

1. Causes of disease

Congenital or genetic defects that form in the bile ducts. The disease can form while the body is developing but leaves no signs and in newborns, doctors cannot detect the disease. It is possible that cancer in other organs has spread to the liver. Unhealthy diet. Liver fluke parasitic infection, virus, light cyst infection,...

Trắc nghiệm: Làm thế nào để bảo vệ lá gan khỏe mạnh?

Làm test trắc nghiệm kiểm tra hiểu biết về gan có thể giúp bạn nhận thức rõ vai trò quan trọng của gan, từ đó có các biện pháp bảo vệ gan để phòng ngừa bệnh tật.

2. Common types of liver cysts

2.1 Simple cyst Cyst lined by epithelium of the same type as the bile duct, the fluid in the cyst does not contain bile. The cause is believed to be congenital. Enlarged cysts will cause the abdomen to swell, which can be recognized by palpation of the abdomen. Pain in the upper right abdomen. 2.2 Polycystic liver Congenital in adults or inherited in children. Polycystic kidney disease often occurs with cystic kidney disease and rarely leads to cirrhosis or liver failure. The disease causes an enlarged liver and abdominal pain. Usually occurs during puberty. 2.3 Fluke cyst Caused by a parasite called echinococcus granulosus is a type of tapeworm parasitic in the body of animals such as buffalo, sheep, etc., entering the human liver through the digestive tract. For the first few years there will be no symptoms or only pain in the right flank. This cyst can then grow and burst, causing jaundice or cholangitis. Cysts can form in the lungs and other organs. 2.4 Cyst The disease is common after pre-cancerous and very rare. Small tumors usually cause no symptoms Large tumors can cause abdominal pain or obstruction.


Nang gan là một khối u lành tính và không gây ra ung thư gan
Nang gan là một khối u lành tính và không gây ra ung thư gan

3. Are liver cysts dangerous?

Liver cysts are usually benign, rarely malignant except in cases of cysts due to metastatic cancer from other organs or cysts that are too large or have too many cysts.
In the case of large cysts can hold 1-2 liters of fluid. Large cysts can rupture causing hemorrhage, if cysts are mobile, cysts can be twisted.
In general, liver cysts are not too dangerous and the treatment success rate is quite high.

4. Methods of treatment

When detecting the disease, it is necessary to test to remove the parasites from the body with antibiotics. When the liver cyst is small (less than 4cm) usually does not need to be treated. When the liver cyst is large (over 4cm) it is necessary to see a doctor for appropriate treatment. Laparoscopic surgery is a common, simple and effective method widely applied in the treatment of liver cysts. In case the patient has symptoms of bleeding, severe pain, or repeated relapses, surgery may be required for a liver transplant. In addition, now there is a method that can also be applied, which is the aspiration method.


Hình ảnh U nang gan trên siêu âm
Hình ảnh U nang gan trên siêu âm

5. Precautions

If the patient is suffering from mild liver cyst disease, it is necessary to have a reasonable diet as follows:
Do not drink alcohol, beer, tobacco, stimulants, ... that affect the cells of the liver. Absolutely do not drink milk. Milk will promote the development of liver and mucus in the body. Selenium is an essential substance that helps the liver produce glutathione and is a powerful antioxidant. Selenium will help protect liver cells from damage. Therefore, supplementing with selenium will partly help improve the patient's liver. Avoid external influences on the liver cyst area to cause cyst rupture, especially when the cyst is large. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits such as: kale, broccoli, radishes and onions. Drink carrot juice, apple juice, ... to cool the liver. If you do not have the disease, you also need to have a liver test to detect it in time as well as to be consulted by a doctor about protecting the liver.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a hepatobiliary screening package that fully includes all of the above tests, bringing peace of mind and accurate results to customers. When there are signs of liver disorders or even when there are no symptoms, proactive liver function tests are necessary to protect your health.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

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