Giant liver cysts

Posted By  HFHSM.D.-rf on April 28, 1999 at 00:07:28
Topic Area: Liver - General
  I'm a petite 54 year old woman (5'3", 110lbs). Two large masses (13cm and 8cm) were recently found in my liver during an ultrasound. A CT scan showed these to be benign cysts. I continue to experience pain and pressure in my abdomen and colon. I have been suffering from excess gas and diarrhea for almost a year. I won't see a gastroenterologist for at least another week. In the meantime can you help answer some simple questions?
  Why do these cysts form?
  Can they rupture or present a danger?
  Can they be responsible for my digestive problems?
  What kind of treatment is possible?
  Can they be reduced in size?
  What kind of surgery (if any) would be used in case like this?
  I take ibuprofen to ease the pain -- is this dangerous for my liver in its current condition?
  Thank you.

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

_
Dear Lucie,
Cysts in the liver are usually of congenital origin although some infections can cause fluid collections.  Cavernous hemangioma is NOt a cyst but rather an abnormal vascular pattern.
Large cysts have the potential to rupture causing abdominal pain.
It is possible, but very unlikely that the cysts are causing the gas and diarrhea of which you complain.
Treatment for these large cysts is usally surgical.  Simple drainage of the cyst is almost always associated with cyst recurrence.
This information is presented for educational purposes.  Ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords; hepatic cysts
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