Fluid-filled sacs, known as cysts, may develop in the liver. Cysts that develop in the liver are typically benign. Polycystic liver is a form of liver cyst that typically occurs in families. What are the symptoms and treatment options for polycystic liver disease? Please review the following article:
What is a polycystic liver?
Liver cysts are a condition in which the liver develops sacs that are filled with fluid. Adults between the ages of 30 and 70 may experience this condition. There are two types of liver cysts that require surgery or other forms of treatment, although the majority of liver cysts are not malignant:
- Hydatidosis is caused by parasites and can cause fever and jaundice
- Polycystic liver is characterized by the formation of a group of grape-like cysts in the liver
Polycystic liver disease is an uncommon condition that can affect 1–10 people per 100,000. Hereditary factors are typically the cause of polycystic liver disease.
Polycystic liver is a condition characterized by the development of non-cancerous cysts in the liver, which resemble huge bunches of grapes. The majority of people with polycystic liver disease are asymptomatic, with only approximately 20% experiencing symptoms. Untreated, individuals with polycystic liver disease will develop abdominal distension and experience stomach discomfort.
Causes and risk factors for polycystic liver
Polycystic liver disease, often known as PLD, is primarily a genetic disorder. However, it is important to note that this condition can also manifest spontaneously without any genetic predisposition. Typically, this condition is more prevalent among women than men. People with polycystic liver disease typically also have polycystic kidney disease, and the prevalence of this condition increases as they age and their kidney disease progresses.
People with polycystic liver disease typically remain unaware of the presence of cysts in their liver until the cysts reach a size that is detectable. The cyst can range in size from a pinhead to approximately 10 cm.
Not only can the cyst increase in size, but the liver can also get significantly enlarged. Nevertheless, this disease is often regarded as non-life-threatening or lethal in the majority of cases.
If you or a member of your family has polycystic liver disease, it is important to complete a screening for this condition, as it is a hereditary condition. MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound are all viable imaging techniques for conducting examinations.
Polycystic liver symptoms
It is not uncommon for people with polycystic liver disease to be unaware that they have the disease because most of these disorders do not cause any noticeable symptoms. Liver cysts have the potential to begin expanding in early adulthood and continue growing into adulthood. Polycystic liver disease, in which the liver enlarges significantly due to the presence of cysts, might manifest with the following symptoms:
- Bloating or swelling in the stomach
- Stomach ache
- Fullness or satiety
- Difficult to breathe
In more severe cases of polycystic liver disease, patients may experience abdominal pain as a result of cyst infection, cyst hemorrhage, bile duct blockage, and jaundice, which results in yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Genetic factors are the primary cause of polycystic liver disease. You should have routine liver examinations if your family has a history of polycystic liver disease. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Nadia Opmalina