The liver is a large organ located in the upper right-hand quadrant of the abdomen. The Children's Hospital Boston describes how the liver aids in digestion by breaking down fats in preparation for digestion. The liver also filters the blood and breaks down drugs and nutrients as the blood passes through this large organ. Cysts are closed pockets of tissue that may encompass pus, fluid or air, according to MedlinePlus. There are three main types of cysts, which differ based on their cause and total number.
Choledochal Cysts
Choledochal cysts are cysts that are caused by a genetic disease called Caroli's disease. According to Merck Manuals, this disease is characterized by cysts that form in the bile ducts. The bile ducts are tubes that begin in the liver and deliver bile to the gallbladder and the intestine to aid in digestion. The cysts caused by Caroli's disease are also associated with formation of stones in the bile duct, inflammation, and even sometimes liver cancer. Children's Hospital Boston adds that these cysts may from in the portion of the bile duct that is inside the liver, which is called an intrahepatic cyst, or outside the liver, which is referred to as an extrahepatic cyst.
Multiple Cysts
Multiple liver cysts are a product of a rare disease called polycystic kidney disease. This disease causes multiple cysts in several different organs of the body, including the kidney and the liver. MedlinePlus reports that this disease affects about 1 in 1,000 people in the United States. The disease does not usually causes symptoms until the affected person is in middle age.
Cysts of Hydatid Disease
Merck Manuals reports that the cysts of Hydatid disease are caused by infection with either Echinococcus granulosus or Echinococcus multilocularis, which are types of worms. These worms can infect multiple organs and cause the formation of cysts, especially in the lung and liver. These liver cysts may cause jaundice, which results from the liver not properly filtering the blood. Rupturing of the cysts can result in fever, hives, and sometimes a very serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The infection is treated with antibiotics. However, the cysts may need to be aspirated by a doctor to prevent rupture inside the body.
