With a so-called Liver cyst it is a cavity filled with liquid. In medicine, a liver cyst is also called a benign tumor. The disease should not be confused with cyst liver.
What is a liver cyst?
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In modern medicine, a fundamental distinction is made between a so-called Liver cyst as well as a so-called cyst liver.
The liver cysts, for example, usually have a rounded shape. A liver cyst always stands out from the surrounding tissue. In addition, a liver cyst has another distinctive feature. In terms of statics, the fluid inside the cyst is enclosed by a relatively thin wall.
For those affected, however, a liver cyst does not pose any great danger at first. As a result of the relatively slow growth, comprehensive treatment is often only necessary after several years.
causes
The appearance of a Liver cyst is usually favored by various factors. Medical leaders cite hereditary predisposition as one of the most common causes of a liver cyst.
In addition to a hereditary predisposition, so-called undesirable developments are also possible causes of liver cysts. The tissue of the person affected shows a pathological change before birth. If the liver cyst is a parasitic liver cyst, an infection with a tapeworm is the primary possible cause.
It is not uncommon for a liver cyst to develop as a long-term consequence of strong violence. A liver cyst must be diagnosed as precisely as possible so that the most effective therapy possible can be tackled.
Symptoms, ailments & signs
In many cases, a liver cyst does not cause any symptoms or discomfort. It therefore often takes years for the disease to be recognized. In the case of hereditary cysts in particular, there are no clear signs of the disease and the cavity does not necessarily have to be treated. Occasionally, however, jaundice, pain in the upper abdomen and other complaints can occur.
Digestive problems and eating disorders can also occur, often accompanied by loss of appetite and gradual weight loss. Other possible eating disorders are a persistent feeling of fullness and severe cravings. Very large cysts cause severe tenderness. They can also lead to liver dysfunction and severe malaise.
A liver cyst can usually not be identified externally. Only larger growths cause slight swellings, which can be seen in the area of the upper abdomen. If the liver cyst is treated early, the symptoms usually subside quickly. Most patients are completely symptom-free after just a few weeks.
However, if no or inadequate treatment is given, the cyst can continue to grow and cause serious liver damage. In extreme cases, liver failure occurs, which if left untreated can be fatal. Before this, however, the cyst causes clear symptoms, which usually lead those affected to a doctor's visit.
Diagnosis & course
There one Liver cyst is associated with clinical symptoms only in the rarest of cases, an initial finding is often only made in the context of a random ultrasound examination.
If there is an initial suspicion of a liver cyst, an examination using computed tomography is considered. In order to enable the liver cyst to be shown as detailed as possible, a so-called contrast agent is administered as part of the examination. This is the only way to determine whether the cyst is possibly endangering neighboring vessels or accesses to other organs.
In addition to the imaging tests, an extensive blood test is ordered to diagnose a liver cyst. An extensive blood test, for example, can reveal parasites as the cause of a liver cyst.
Complications
Liver cysts can lead to a variety of complications, depending on their size, location, and cause. Large liver cysts larger than ten centimeters can displace the surrounding organs. This is usually associated with pain in the upper abdomen, but it can also lead to ruptures and bleeding. Larger hemangiomas can also cause functional and circulatory disorders in the liver tissue.
In the worst case, this can lead to organ failure. Bile fistulas and biliary cysts develop more frequently, which on the one hand increase the risk of peritonitis. On the other hand, a general inflammation of the gallbladder can cause severe secondary symptoms such as jaundice, fever and chills. All complications are associated with severe pain and physical discomfort, which in the long term also affects the psychological condition of those affected.
Treating a liver cyst can also cause complications. Nerve injuries and bleeding can occur during a surgical procedure. After an operation, the scars can lead to dysfunction. In addition, bleeding, secondary bleeding and infections can occur, which can lead to health problems (e.g. sepsis due to secondary bleeding, liver or peritonitis due to infection). The prescribed drugs can trigger allergies and cause various side effects.
When should you go to the doctor?
If the person suffers from loss of appetite, unwanted weight loss or problems with the digestive tract, a doctor should be consulted. If you experience food cravings, a feeling of fullness, flatulence or repeated belching after eating, a visit to a doctor is advisable. In case of pain, an uncomfortable feeling of pressure or general malaise, consult a doctor. If pain from the upper abdomen spreads further or if it intensifies, a doctor should be consulted. Before taking any pain reliever medication, you should always consult a doctor. Swelling, edema or changes in the skin's appearance should be examined and treated.
If you notice yellowing of the skin on the face or body, this indicates liver disorders. A doctor's visit is recommended so that treatment can be initiated. If there is a drop in the level of performance, a feeling of illness or an inner weakness, the person concerned needs help. Persistent dizziness, nausea, or vomiting are also causes for concern. A doctor's visit is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms. As a matter of principle, adults should take part in regular check-ups and preventive examinations to enable early detection. Since the liver cyst causes irreparable damage to organs or a fatal course in severe cases, a doctor should be consulted as soon as the first symptoms and irregularities arise.
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Treatment & Therapy
Unless a Liver cyst has been clearly diagnosed, therapy tailored to the patient can be started. With regard to the choice of a suitable therapy, in addition to the size of the liver cyst, among other things, its location is taken into account.
Surgical removal of the liver cyst is only performed if complications are to be expected due to its size and location. Parasitic cysts are generally removed surgically. This can prevent the parasites causing the disease from spreading. After the operation, the patient is given special medication.
Liver cysts often cause irreparable damage to the liver. In this case, a liver transplant is inevitable. As an alternative to surgery, an alternative treatment method is offered, especially for fluid-filled cysts. As part of the so-called puncture, the attending physician inserts a relatively thin needle into the cyst.
The needle can be precisely positioned by using an imaging method. The accumulated liquid is sucked off through the needle. In relation to this procedure, however, the so-called relapse rate must be taken into account. Often the remaining cavity fills again with liquid in most cases. Further treatment is then strongly recommended.
Outlook & forecast
The prognosis of the liver cyst depends on the location and size of the cyst.In most cases, the liver cyst goes unnoticed for many years or is treated late due to its slow growth. Nevertheless, complications and adversities can arise. Without check-ups or medical treatment, there is a possibility that organ failure will occur. This means that the person concerned is in a life-threatening condition.
If the cyst is surgically removed, the patient is usually discharged from the treatment as recovered after the wound healing process. This is followed by a follow-up visit, but no further therapy is necessary. This favorable prognosis worsens as soon as complications arise during the operation. If the surrounding tissue has been damaged, the dysfunction can be restricted in the long term. This development is also possible if the cyst is particularly large or in an awkward location.
If there is irreparable damage to the organ, a donor liver is required. Otherwise, the average life expectancy of the person affected will be significantly reduced. Organ transplantation is very complex and can pose numerous challenges. Nonetheless, this treatment method is the only treatment option for existing organ damage. If the donor organ is accepted by the organism, the patient's survival is assured.
prevention
Especially pet owners can do one Liver cyst actively prevent. Since a parasitic liver cyst is always caused by a tapeworm, the pets in the household should be subjected to regular worming. If a liver cyst is based on a hereditary predisposition, effective prevention is not possible. People who have already undergone therapy for the treatment of cysts can use special preparations to prevent cysts from forming again. However, these preparations often have severe side effects and should be discussed with the doctor.
Aftercare
Comprehensive follow-up care is required after treating cysts. The patient must consult a doctor at regular intervals, who can carry out a check-up and initiate further measures. It is important to monitor the course of the disease and clarify any complaints. Treatment should be initiated if there are signs that cysts have formed again.
Cysts are usually found on an ultrasound or computed tomographic examination. If complications or complaints arise, such an examination must be carried out again. If the outcome is positive, visits to the doctor can be gradually reduced.
In the first few weeks of remission, the patient should consult a doctor regularly. After a few weeks in which no complications have been found, visits to the doctor can be reduced to once a month, every three months and finally every six months. Patients diagnosed with a liver cyst must undergo medical examinations for the rest of their lives, as there is an increased risk of recurrence.
Follow-up care is usually carried out by the doctor who was already responsible for treating the cyst. Depending on the symptoms, other doctors such as a nutritionist or an internist may have to be called in.
You can do that yourself
Patients with liver cysts require medical treatment. In addition to medical therapy, some self-help measures can be taken to counteract individual symptoms.
First of all, the diet should be changed. Foods such as steamed vegetables, cereals, bread and fruit juices relieve the discomfort and soothe the irritated gastrointestinal tract. Proven home remedies such as a roll cure with chamomile tea or relaxation exercises help with stomach ache. The doctor will also recommend bed rest and rest. Since a liver cyst usually also results in weight loss, appropriate countermeasures must be taken: drink a lot, eat as balanced as possible despite symptoms and take dietary supplements if there are deficiency symptoms. Appetizers from the drugstore help against loss of appetite and feelings of fullness.
The liver cyst itself can usually only be treated surgically. Those affected should consult closely with the responsible doctor and follow his guidelines. Especially after the procedure, it is important to take care of the body and especially the liver. In addition, the cause of the liver cyst must be determined. Depending on what the trigger is, preventive measures can then be taken to avoid cyst formation again.
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