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Liver cysts and polycystic liver

Also called: Liver cysts, hepatic cyst, simple liver cyst, polycystic liver disease

Fluid-filled sacs in the liver. Simple cysts are common, usually found by chance on a scan, and almost never cause problems. Many cysts at once (polycystic liver disease) run in families and can make the liver large.

Simple cystsFound in about 1 in 20 people
SymptomsUsually none
TreatmentUsually none; drainage or surgery if large and painful

Overview

Simple cysts are thin-walled sacs of clear fluid. They don't turn into cancer and usually don't grow much.

Polycystic liver disease often comes with polycystic kidney disease. Large cysts can press on the stomach and cause fullness or pain. A cyst with thick walls or solid parts needs more tests.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Liver cyst found on a scan

Less common

  • Fullness after small meals
  • Pain in the upper right belly
  • Swollen belly

Look up a symptom: Bloating or gas

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden severe belly pain or fever with chills (a cyst can rarely bleed or get infected).
Get care todayYellow skin or eyes, or a quickly swelling belly.
See a doctor soonA cyst that's complex or a new feeling of fullness.

Causes

Simple cysts are present from birth or form with age. Polycystic disease is inherited.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It's linked to changes in genes and can be passed from parent to child.
  • A genetic counselor can explain the chance of passing it on and testing for relatives.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Older age
  • Women
  • Family history of polycystic kidney disease

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Most are found on an ultrasound or CT done for another reason.

Questions you may be asked

  • Belly fullness or pain
  • Family history of kidney or liver cysts

The exam

A belly exam to feel the liver.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Ultrasound: Shows whether a cyst is simple.
  • CT or MRI: If the cyst looks complex.
  • Liver tests: Usually normal.

Treatment

A simple cyst with no symptoms needs no treatment or follow-up.

Self-care

  • Ask whether follow-up scans are needed
  • Report new belly fullness, pain, or yellow skin
  • Women with many cysts: ask about estrogen, which can make cysts grow

Large painful cysts can be drained, sealed, or removed with surgery.

Prevention

They can't be prevented.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver doctor).
  • A medical geneticist or genetic counselor can explain genetic tests and family risk.

Living with it

  • Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
  • Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
  • Note which foods make symptoms better or worse.
  • Eat smaller meals and limit alcohol.
  • Children may qualify for free early intervention services before age 3, and special education help (an IEP) at school.
  • Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people can keep working or going to school.
  • Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Families: Relatives of people with polycystic disease may want screening.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Genetic counseling before or early in pregnancy can explain the chance of passing it on and testing options.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Go to visits when you can and take notes.
  • Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
  • Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Simple cysts are harmless.

People with polycystic disease usually live normal lives with care.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • Scan reports

Questions to ask

  • Is this a simple cyst?
  • Do I need another scan?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Liver cysts and polycystic liver

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.