The liver is the largest internal organ in the body. Its functions include processing nutrients, making blood proteins, removing drugs and toxic substances from the blood, and storing energy and vitamins. There are many disorders that affect the liver and cause an elevation in levels of liver cell enzymes. When liver cysts are large or numerous, they may lead to liver malfunction and abnormally high liver enzymes.
Liver Cysts
A liver cyst is a sac that forms in the liver and fills with fluid. Liver cysts may be congenital or they may form sometime during your lifetime. Often the cause of a liver cyst is unknown, although when multiple cysts form, this may indicate polycystic liver disease or a parasitic infection. MayoClinic.com states that cysts usually cause no symptoms. However, if a cyst becomes very large or if many are present, the condition may produce symptoms and interfere with liver function.
Liver Enzymes
Liver cells contain many enzymes that catalyze cellular reactions. Normally, when liver cells are healthy, the level of these enzymes in the blood is low. However, if the liver is injured or diseased, enzymes are released into the blood when liver cells die. The result is abnormally high liver enzymes measured by a blood test. The specific enzymes that are usually measured are called alanine transaminase, or ALT, and aspartate transaminase, or AST. An elevation in these enzymes may be temporary or it may indicate a chronic liver problem.
Complications of Liver Cysts
Liver cysts often cause no symptoms. But if there are many cysts or if one or more of the cysts is large, you may experience abdominal swelling and pain, or nausea or other digestive symptoms. If a large enough portion of the liver is involved, blood tests may reveal elevated liver enzymes, possibly indicating that liver function is affected. Your doctor may order diagnostic tests such as an ultrasound or a scan to visualize your liver and determine the extent of the cysts.
What You Can Do
Follow your doctor's advice regarding management or treatment of liver cysts. In addition, consider adding herbal remedies that help support the liver to your regimen. Milk thistle, green tea and dandelion root are good examples of herbs that are beneficial to the liver. Finally, avoid alcohol, as it may further damage liver cells.
