Liver cysts

Also called: Hepatic cysts, biliary cysts, bile duct cysts

Cysts are like little water balloons. They are lined with cells and filled with liquid. Liver cysts usually contain a liquid like bile, made up mostly of water

Liver cysts are often found by accident when you have a scan for something else. Most liver cysts will not cause any problems and do not need to be treated.

Simple cysts are by far the most common type of liver cyst. They are usually harmless. The other conditions are very rare and some of them can be more serious. Hydatid cysts are caused by a parasite and are very rare in the UK.

Liver cysts are not a type of tumour or cancer. You can find more information about benign liver tumours here.  And about liver cancer here .