Liver cysts
Hepatic cysts
An abnormal fluid-filled sac in your liver
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of liver cysts icon plus
Liver cysts may present no symptoms for many years. That's because many types of liver cysts are slow to grow and surround themselves with a layer of tissue that stops them from starting an inflammatory reaction or infection in the liver.
These cysts will grow, however, and may start to increase pressure inside the liver. This may lead to pain on the right side of the ribs, high temperature or feeling discomfort when taking a breath. Should the cyst rupture or leak, you may well experience one or more of the following:- fever or high temperatures
- nausea
- weight loss
- jaundice, once infection reaches an advanced stage
- surgery
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Diagnosis icon plus
For a confirmed diagnosis of liver cysts, your consultant will usually recommend a CT and/or MRI scan. Blood tests are usually needed to look for rare causes of liver cysts such as Hydatid disease and cystadenoma. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
Treatment of cysts will depend on the type of cysts you have. If they're growing quickly, they may be 'deroofed’, where the top of the cyst is removed. Usually this is carried out as a laparoscopic procedure, through small cuts in the abdomen using precision instruments to allow the trapped fluid to drain. A course of antibiotics is likely as well.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
North Building, Circus Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 6DP
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street
London
W1G 8DU
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The Wellington Digestive Health Centre
21 Wellington Road
St Johns Wood
London NW8 9SQ
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The HPB Unit
The Princess Grace Hospital
42–52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344