Liver cysts

[Karen4422]

Hi good morning

I had a ultrasound scan too check my liver and other things. As my Ferritin levels and GGT levels were raised. Doctor said scan results showed cysts on my liver. So she is now sent me for a full blood screening of Hepatitis's. Should I be concerned ?

Many thanks

Karen

[Richard-Allen]

Good Morning Karen, at this point I wouldn't be overly concerned.

Your doctor quite rightly wants to try and find out what could be causing these cysts (tumours).

Most diagnosis is arrived at by ruling out what it’s not. So by ruling out all of the various hepatitis, they then begin to can look elsewhere. If this is a gastroenterologist that is viewing the images from the ultrasound, they may also seek advice from a liver cancer specialist. No need to panic, this is just a secondary precaution.

These tumours in most cases are destroyed using a procedure called Liver Ablation. There are two main types of ablation such as Microwave Ablation and Radiofrequency Ablation. The procedure will involve a few days in the hospital. Just to make sure there is no bleeding after the procedure. The tumours must be of the right size before this technic can be used. If they are too small, they will be allowed to grow to a size of less than 5cm.

There is more information about this on the BLT’s website at: britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Now, most people when they hear the word, “tumour” begin to freak out. “Oh my god, I’ve got cancer”. This is rare but does happen. Most of these tumours are benign and are a safe type of tumour. The only problem that can occur is that once these little blighters start to develop, they can often keep on coming back. You may need to have a repeated scan every six months.

Having these tumours may mean that you might be considered for a liver transplant in the future.

I had five tumours at one point, this was back in 2016. Three of these tumours were burnt off using the Liver Ablation, and the remaining two tumours were left to grow. This was all done at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. They have produced a nice little pamphlet that is given out to patients who are about to undergo this treatment. This can be found on the following link: uhb.nhs.uk/Downloads/pdf/Pi...

Above all, don’t worry. Your doctor appears to be on the case. Good luck.

Richard

[Karen4422 in reply to Richard-Allen]

Thank you much for your reply Richard. Which I found very helpful. I will just wait for the blood tests to come back and see what the outcome is. Once again thank you 😊

[chrisw740 in reply to Karen4422]

Hi Karen,

Just to clarify a cyst is not a tumor. Cysts are sacs - that may be filled with air or fluid for example. Most cysts are not cause for concern but sometimes require monitoring or further investigation. A tumor is any abnormal solid mass of tissue. A tumor can be benign or cancerous. If cysts are suspected from your scan it remains prudent of your Dr to double check that's what they are... and follow up anyway in light of some of your elevated blood test results.

Best Chris

[Hidden]

Karen,

Cysts are not tumours, A cyst is an abnormal, fluid-filled balloon or bubble like structure (sac) that can grow in any part of your body.

Here is our information on Benign tumours and cystic disease of the liver for more information;

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Your doctor is probably being thorough in sending you for a comprehensive liver blood screen which would include testing for forms of viral hepatitis, this is to look for any cause for your elevated liver enzymes.

Please do speak to your own doctors for clarification of your queries, they are medically trained to answer them.

Best wishes.