complex cyst in liver

I have learned that I have a complex cyst in the liver that is rather large.  My gastroenterologist suggests that I see a surgeon and visit about the various procedures that are appropriate for me.  I do not have any symptoms or pain, and my liver function blood work is normal, but a couple of liver enzymes are too high.

If any of you have had experience with this, I would like to hear your story.

 Thank you

Well I had a large tumor in my liver, not a cyst, but I have my 2 cents to throw in.

 Bear in mind that the liver is very resilient, and so it takes a lot of damage or a large tumor usually before you can tell that it's there based on blood tests and liver function.

 In my case, by the time they caught it was quite large and I was quite yellow (it was blocking my bile duct so the bilirubin in my bloodstream went through the roof!)

 I think seeing a surgeon is a great idea - that is definitely what I would do!

Good luck and take care!

-T 

On 7/25/2008 Claudette wrote:

I have learned that I have a complex cyst in the liver that is rather large.  My gastroenterologist suggests that I see a surgeon and visit about the various procedures that are appropriate for me.  I do not have any symptoms or pain, and my liver function blood work is normal, but a couple of liver enzymes are too high.

If any of you have had experience with this, I would like to hear your story.

 Thank you

Hi-your post indicates you have a complex liver cyst--recently, I had a scan and also have an 8 mm complex cyst in the liver.  My travel to China, Borneo, Mongolia, Belarus, Papua New Guinea, Africa, Fiji, Australia and more may have put me at risk for parasites. (Had them after two years in Minsk and treated).  The protocol that I have been given is to have an MRI-multi phased with follow-up in GI.  This has me moderately nervous.  I have some upper right quadrant discomfort and have gained a lot of weight in the past year.  My liver enzymes went through the roof, also.  No amount of googling has supplied me with preliminary information--and not sure what questions to ask.  When I see the GI physician, after the MRI, I'll know more.  I'm not comfortable with 'wait and see' if there is even a chance of cancer.  I've been feeling fatigued, out of breath and hope to get some advice, too-from anyone that has been through similar tests for complex liver cysts.

Anyone help?

thanks

It is so good to hear about someone else having same issue.  I have a complex liver cyst , they first found it in an ultrasound 5 years ago as a simple cyst, and last March they did the ultrasound and found it was a complex cyst, I have no symptoms and would not have known without the ultrasound.   It is 10 cm,, believe it !  I then went for a CT scan and it said there was nothing alarming and to do an ultrasound (ironic since the CT scan was done because of the ultrasound results).  So I then went for an MRI and the doctor called today and said,, the results show nothing worrisome, and he cancelled my follow up appointment but they will do another MRI in 4 months, to look closer at a node?  So I asked, is it cancer, and he said not that he can tell,, the doctor is a liver specialist at a major city Hospital liver clinc.  I also have elvated liver function test,, ie,ALT.  What does all this mean?  I really have no idea,, was thinking about a second opinion,  wouldn't mind a biosopy to put my mind at ease, but the dr doesn't think it is needed.

So, you are not the only one,, 

In September 2005, I experienced sudden severe pain in the upper right abdomen while standing or walking more than 10-15 minutes.  A sonogram and follow on CT scan revealed a 12cm complex cyst in the liver.  Liver tests were normal, only symptom was severe pain that could only be eased by lying down.

I was initially referred to a surgeon for laproscopic removal.  Upon closer examination of CT scan, this surgeon referred me to a surgeon well known in our area for liver transplants.  The cyst was also adhered to the gallbladder as well as major vein and the bile duct system.   The best course of action was fully opening the abdomen through what I now refer to as the tent flap.  Surgery in October 2005 consisted of removing 60% of the liver and the gallbladder.   The procedure took 9 hours.    Biopsy was normal, no cancer.    I spent 8 days in the hospital and had drainage tubes in place for up to 10 weeks.  Returned to work after 12 weeks but wasn't fully back to normal for another 3-4 months. 

I can't say enough good things about the surgeon and care he provided.  Given the amount of pain I was experiencing and the location of cyst, there was no alternative to surgery.   Believe me, you do not want a 16 inch L-shaped incision plus three drain tube holes in your belly unless there is absolutly no alternative.  Help at home was also essential as I couldn't deal with the drainage tubes. 

 My advice is to seek more than one opinion.  Consider the symptoms, type and location of cyst and carefully consider options saving surgery as a last resort.  

The comments on my experience are meant to inform, not frighten.  

The liver is a fantastic organ that regenerates itself if there is a significant amount of  healthy tissue.  I also want to state that I don't drink, smoke or do drugs.  The doctors had no explanation for cause of cyst.