Better health doesn’t have to wait.
Finding out you have a liver or pancreatic cyst can be scary — but most are harmless. Many cause no symptoms and are discovered by chance during an ultrasound, CT or MRI. Still, some cysts may need monitoring or treatment depending on their size, type or how they affect your daily life.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
Some cysts can cause symptoms that deserve a closer look:
- Ongoing upper-abdominal pain that can reach your back.
- Feeling full quickly or bloating.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Unintentional weight loss.
Some changes mean it’s time to reach out right away.
- New or worsening upper-abdominal pain, fever, or persistent vomiting
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pale stools
- Sudden symptom changes after eating or drinking alcohol
For severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department
Here’s how we can help.
Our experts will use safe, minimally invasive tests to help you get a clear picture of what’s going on:
- Ultrasound is often the first step for liver cysts.
- CT or MRI/MRCP show detailed images of your liver, pancreas and bile ducts.
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) gives close-up views and can take a small fluid sample if needed.
- Blood tests help check for inflammation, infection or blockage.
Your care plan depends on the type, size and features of your cyst – and how it’s affecting your life:
- Monitoring with imaging and check-ins when you have no symptoms.
- Endoscopic drainage for pancreatic pseudocysts to relieve pressure, often as an outpatient procedure.
- Drainage or sclerotherapy for liver cysts to reduce the chance of refilling.
- Surgery when features are concerning or symptoms persist, often minimally invasive.
Your quality of life is our priority.
Most people with liver or pancreatic cysts live normal, active lives. The focus is steady monitoring and healthy habits.
- Keep your follow-up plan and don’t skip imaging or check-ins.
- Eat a balanced plate and, if you have pancreatic symptoms, choose smaller, lower-fat meals while avoiding greasy foods.
- Stay well hydrated and limit or avoid alcohol as advised.
- Be active most days and avoid crash diets if you’re losing weight.
- Check labels and talk with your clinician before new over-the-counter meds or supplements.