Quick version
What is a cyst?
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that is clearly demarcated from the surrounding tissue. They can occur in many organs, rarely cause symptoms, and in the vast majority of cases are benign.
How are abdominal cysts discovered?
Many cysts are discovered incidentally during examinations such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, for example when investigating pain, infection, or other abdominal complaints. It is common not to have noticed the cyst before it appears on imaging.
Common cyst findings in different abdominal organs
Kidney cysts
Cysts in the kidneys are very common, especially in older individuals. They are often referred to as simple renal cysts and have thin walls and clear fluid content. These are considered a normal age-related finding and rarely cause symptoms or complications. If the cyst has a typical appearance, follow-up is usually not required.
Liver cysts
Liver cysts are most often congenital and discovered incidentally. They are almost always harmless and rarely affect liver function. Only in exceptional cases—for example, if the cyst becomes very large and causes a sensation of pressure—may further assessment be necessary.
Cysts in the pancreas
Cysts in the pancreas are assessed more carefully than cysts in the kidneys and liver. This is because certain types may be associated with changes in the pancreatic ductal system. The evaluation looks at factors such as whether the cyst communicates with the main duct, whether the walls are thickened or irregular, and whether there are small nodules or other abnormal structures. Many pancreatic cysts are nevertheless benign and remain unchanged over time.
Do cysts cause symptoms?
Most cysts cause no symptoms at all. Sometimes larger cysts can cause vague discomfort, a feeling of pressure, or dull abdominal pain. Symptoms are more often related to the cyst’s size and location than to whether it is benign or not.
When does a cyst need follow-up?
Follow-up is recommended when a cyst has features that make it more difficult to assess immediately. This may include being larger than a few centimeters, having an irregular shape, thicker walls, or changing over time. The presence of symptoms or multiple cysts in unusual patterns may also warrant monitoring. In many cases, a repeat imaging examination after six to twelve months is sufficient.
Examinations and diagnosis
The diagnosis is primarily made using imaging. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging provide information about the cyst’s size, shape, and contents. For pancreatic cysts, more detailed examinations may sometimes be needed to determine the specific type of cyst.
Treatment
The vast majority of cysts do not require treatment; however, it is important to receive a clear explanation from your doctor about what the finding means in your specific case. You should also remain attentive to new or changing symptoms.
Prevention
Most cysts arise without a known cause and cannot be prevented. They generally have no connection to diet, exercise, or other lifestyle factors. Nevertheless, maintaining generally healthy habits is important for overall health.
