Simple liver cysts
Simple cysts usually have no symptoms and do not cause any problems. They are often found by accident during a liver scan for something else.
Also called: simple hepatic cysts
The information on this page is for:
- Adults and children with a simple liver cyst.
- Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.
On this page:
Quick Summary
Simple liver cysts:
- are by far the most common type of liver cyst
- are often found by accident during a scan for something else
- usually cause no problems, and it is best to leave them alone
- only need treatment if there are complications.
Find out more about simple liver cysts on this page.
What are simple liver cysts?
Simple liver cysts are the most common type of liver cyst.
A cyst is a fluid filled sac. Most people will have only 1 simple liver cyst. But it is possible to have more than 1.
We do not know for sure what causes simple cysts. They might begin to form before birth because of a slight mistake in how the liver grows. They can then slowly grow over time. But most simple liver cysts will never get big enough to cause a problem.
If a simple cyst is causing no problems, then leaving it alone is the safest option. There is no need to be monitored or treated.
If someone starts to get symptoms that might be caused by a simple cyst they should see their GP.
What are the symptoms of simple liver cysts?
Most people have no symptoms. In rare cases, a simple liver cyst can get bigger and start to push on other parts of your body. When this happens, symptoms can include:
- tummy pain
- feeling uncomfortably full or bloated
- jaundice (a yellow colour to your skin or eyes)
- high temperature or fever (only if the cyst is causing an infection)
These symptoms can happen in lots of liver conditions. You can find out more about the symptoms of liver disease and what to do using the link below:
Tests for simple liver cysts
Most simple liver cysts are found during tests for other conditions.
If there are no symptoms, then there is no need for more tests on a simple liver cyst. But doctors might suggest tests to rule out other types of cyst.
Questions to ask your doctor:
- How confident are you that this is a simple liver cyst?
- Are any more tests needed to be sure?
- Does the cyst need monitoring?
- Is there anything I should look out for or tell a doctor about?
People with liver symptoms will usually have a liver blood test.
Find out more about liver blood tests.
For all types of liver cyst the best test to start with is an ultrasound scan.
Ultrasound scans
Simple cysts can usually be accurately diagnosed with an ultrasound scan.
An ultrasound scan is simple and should not hurt. Some gel is put on the tummy. A wand will then use sound waves to build up a picture of the liver. The picture can help doctors see the number and size of cysts and where they are.
MRI scans
An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to build up a picture of the inside of the body. It does not use X-rays and is very good at looking at the soft parts of the body, such as the liver.
CT scans
A CT scan will take a series of X-rays and use a computer to put them together to make a detailed picture.
Treatment for simple liver cysts
Most simple liver cysts will not need any monitoring or treatment. They are very unlikely to cause a problem, so the safest thing is to leave the cyst alone.
Growing children with a simple liver cyst might be offered ultrasound scans to monitor the cyst.
No specific size of cyst is considered a problem or requires treatment. Treatment is only recommended if there are symptoms.
In rare cases, a big cyst can start to press on other parts of the liver or other parts of the body. If this happens, it may need treatment.
If someone needs treatment because of a simple cyst they should be referred to a specialist. The specialist can explain the different treatment options to you. The best options for you or your child will depend on:
- The size and number of cysts
- Where the cysts are
- If they are pressing on other parts of the body
- If they are infected
- If you or your child has had treatment for liver cysts before
- The overall health of the liver
Types of treatment
These are the main types of treatment for simple liver cysts. You can find more detailed information in the drop-down boxes below.
Antibiotics
If a cyst becomes infected, antibiotics are needed to get rid of the infection.
Draining cysts
If cysts get very big and cause a problem, they might need to be drained. This is called cyst aspiration and sclerotherapy. An operation called de-roofing might be suggested in severe cases.
If you are given a choice of treatments, you don’t have to decide straight away. It might help to make some notes. Or ask to record your conversation with the doctor to help you remember what they said. You can also make a list of questions to ask them before starting any treatment.
Antibiotics for infected simple cysts
It is rare for liver cysts to become infected.
If this happens, it often leads to fever (high temperature) and feeling generally unwell. If you think you or your child might have an infected simple liver cyst see a doctor as soon as possible.
Infected cysts need to be treated quickly with antibiotics.
Antibiotics for an infected liver cyst are usually given in a drip. Antibiotic tablets or medicine might also be needed for a few weeks afterwards. This is to be sure that the infection has gone.
The type of antibiotic will depend on symptoms and test results.
Doctors might also suggest draining the infected cyst.
Draining cysts (Aspiration sclerotherapy or PAIR)
Also called PAIR. This stands for Percutaneous Aspiration, Instillation and Reaspiration.
Aspiration sclerotherapy might be used if the cyst has got very big and is causing symptoms.
Pain relief
The procedure is usually done with a local anaesthetic to prevent pain and a sedative to cause sleepiness. In some cases, a general anaesthetic is used, for example if the person having the procedure is a child. The medical team will talk to you about the risks and benefits of the different options.
The procedure
During the procedure, a needle will be put through the skin and into the cyst. It will gently suck out the cyst fluid (aspiration). A liquid will then be injected into the cyst. This will cause scarring. It pulls the sides of the cyst together, which helps stop it from filling up again (sclerotherapy). The sclerotherapy liquid will be left to work for a few minutes. Then, it will be sucked back out (reaspiration).
De-roofing (Defenestration)
De-roofing is usually only done if a cyst is causing very severe symptoms. And if aspiration sclerotherapy is not suitable or has not worked well.
Cyst de-roofing is usually done by keyhole surgery. You might also hear it called laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
Pain relief
De-roofing is done using a general anaesthetic. The person having the procedure will be fully asleep and will not feel any pain.
The procedure
The surgeon will make several small holes in the abdomen (tummy). They will put a tool called a laparoscope through one of these holes. A laparoscope is a thin bendy tube with a camera and a light at the end of it. Some gas will be put into the tummy to make more space for the surgery.
The surgeon will use long thin tools to remove the “roof” of the cyst. This is the part of the cyst that is on the surface of the liver. They might also stitch the walls of the cyst together to stop it from coming back.
The medical team will then let the gas out of the tummy and stitch up the small holes.
After the operation
It is sometimes necessary to stay in hospital after the operation, usually just for one or two days.
It is best to start moving about as soon as possible. This will help with recovery. Adults and older children will be given long socks to wear. These will help prevent clots in the veins. They might also be given injections to prevent clots.
It is normal to feel bloated after the operation because of the gas used. It is also normal to feel some pain or discomfort. It is better for recovery to get pain under control than to put up with it. So, always ask for more painkillers if needed.
Living with a simple liver cyst
Most simple liver cysts never cause a problem, and most people who have one will never even know it is there.
If there are no symptoms of a liver problem, you can carry on with life as normal. You might want to bookmark this information in case you ever want to come back to it. You can also look at our information about the symptoms of liver disease.
FAQs
What size of simple liver cyst needs treatment?
Whether a cyst needs treatment does not depend on its size. They only need treatment if there is a complication that causes symptoms.
What should I eat if I have a simple liver cyst?
There are no foods that will reduce or get rid of a liver cyst. There is no evidence that diet causes simple liver cysts.
But your diet can be linked to other common liver conditions. You can look after your liver by eating a balanced diet and keeping to a healthy weight.
Find out more about eating, drinking and keeping active.
When should I see a doctor about a simple liver cyst?
Anyone with any symptoms of a liver problem should go to their GP. If you have a simple liver cyst let the doctor know. But many liver conditions have similar symptoms. So, your symptoms might be caused by something else.
Are simple liver cysts linked to other liver conditions?
People with a simple liver cyst are no more or less likely to get any other type of liver condition. It is possible for anyone to have more than one liver condition at the same time.
Simple liver cysts are not a type of tumour or cancer and do not cause cancer.
There are other types of liver and bile duct cyst. If your doctor is not sure what type of cyst you have, you should have more tests to find out.
Can I exercise and play sports if I have a simple liver cyst?
If you have a simple liver cyst that is not causing you any problems, then it should be safe for you to exercise as normal.
Check with your doctor for personal advice if you play high-impact or contact sports. For example rugby or martial arts.
Useful links
Liver cysts
Benign liver tumours
Liver cancer
Support
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This content was last reviewed: February 2026
Our expert reviewers:
We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Prof John Dillon, Professor of Hepatology and Gastroenterology University of Dundee, Indra Van Mourik, Retired Consultant Paediatric Hepatologist. And all our patient reviewers.
Find out how we make our patient information.
Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.
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