[Hepatic cysts: diagnosis and management]

J Chir (Paris). 2008 May-Jun;145(3):217-25. doi: 10.1016/s0021-7697(08)73749-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Cystic lesions of the liver are common and usually benign. The most frequent lesion is simple hepatic cyst: typical imaging findings make their diagnosis easy and they require no treatment. Complicated hepatic cysts (i.e., compression, hemorrhage, infection) have more variable imaging findings making diagnosis more difficult; they may evoke other diagnoses. Asymptomatic hepatic cysts do not require any treatment or follow-up. Symptomatic cysts may benefit from simple follow-up or may be treated by laparoscopic fenestration or alcohol sclerotherapy. The differential diagnosis of complicated hepatic cysts includes cystadenoma, cystadenocarcinoma, hydatid cyst, or cystic metastasis; surgical resection is usually indicated for these lesions.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cysts / diagnosis*
  • Cysts / therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Liver Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Liver Diseases / therapy*