cysts in liver

I had written you a couple of months ago concerning about swelling in my upper abdomen.  Well, I went for a upper GI and everything is fine.  Then I had a CT abdomen & pelvis w/contrast and the only thing it shows is that I have 4 "subcentimeter cysts in the liver".  When I went for my upper GI today & told him that I'm not in a lot of pain, its discomfort and how my "upper" (right below the breast bone) swollen even more so after I eat & firm.  It's uncomfortable to lay on my stomach.  When I asked about the cysts's, he said they are nothing to be concerned about (I know their small).  Should I just take things as they are or should the cysts's be looked in to?  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Cysts in the liver typically doesn't cause abdominal pain, unless they are very large.  

That said, an MRI would be a more sensitive test to evaluate the cysts, and you can consider this after discussion with your GI physician.

Otherwise, I would consider an upper endoscopy.  This test is more sensitive than an upper GI series, and can evaluate for inflammation in the stomach or esophagus that may be responsible for the discomfort.  I would also perform a blood test to exclude H Pylori, a bacteria associated with inflammation and ulcers.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.

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Twitter.com/kevinmd