Description

Kidney cysts are round pouches of fluid that form on or in the kidneys. Kidney cysts can occur with disorders that may impair kidney function. But more often, kidney cysts are a type called simple kidney cysts. Simple kidney cysts are not cancer and rarely cause problems.

It is not clear what are the causes of simple renal cysts. Often, a cyst occurs on the surface of a kidney. But more of a cyst can appear in one or both kidneys. Simple kidney cysts aren't the same as cysts that are formed with polycystic kidney disease. Simple cysts also differ from the complex cysts. Complex cysts need to be observed by the changes that could be cancer.

Simple kidney cysts are often found during an imaging test for another condition. The treatment generally is not necessary unless simple cysts cause symptoms.

Symptoms

Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms. But if a simple kidney cyst grows large enough, symptoms may include:

  • Dull pain in the back or side
  • Fever
  • Stomach pain

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of a cyst on the kidney.

Causes

It is not clear what are the causes of simple renal cysts. One theory suggests that the renal cysts develop when the surface layer of the kidney is weak and form a bag. Then, the bag is filled with liquid, it separates and becomes a cyst.

Risk factors

The risk of having a simple renal cysts increases with age. But it can occur at any age. Simple kidney cysts are more common in men.

Complications

Kidney cysts can sometimes lead to complications, including:

  • A cyst is infected. A kidney cyst may become infected, causing fever and pain.
  • A burst cyst. A kidney cyst that bursts causes severe pain in the back or side. Sometimes a burst cyst can cause blood in the urine.
  • Blocks the flow of urine. A kidney cyst that blocks the typical flow of the urine can lead to kidney inflammation.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose simple kidney cysts include:

  • Imaging tests. Magnetic resonance imaging , computed tomography and ultrasound are the imaging tests that are often used to diagnose simple kidney cysts. Imaging tests can help determine whether a kidney mass is a cyst or a tumor.
  • Kidney function tests. Testing a sample of your blood may reveal whether a kidney cyst is affecting how well your kidney works.

Treatment

The treatment may not be needed

If a simple kidney cyst does not cause symptoms and does not affect kidney function, you may not need treatment. In its place, the doctor may recommend that you have imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, over time, to see if the kidney cyst changes.

If the kidney cyst of the changes and the causes of the symptoms, you can choose to have the treatment at that time. Sometimes a simple kidney cyst will go away on its own.

Treatments for cysts that cause symptoms

If a simple kidney cyst is causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend a treatment. The options include:

  • The perforation and drainage of the cyst, and then fill it with a solution.The solution of the causes of the healing and helps to prevent the cyst is filled with fluid again. Alcohol or a chemical compound that can be used as the solution. Rarely, to reduce the size of the cyst, a long, thin needle can be inserted through your skin and through the wall of the cyst in the kidney. Then the fluid is drained from the cyst and is filled with a solution to avoid that since the reform.
  • The surgery to remove the cyst.A large cyst that is causing the symptoms may require surgery. To access the cyst, a surgeon makes several small incisions in the skin and inserts of special tools and a small video camera. While watching a video monitor in the operating room, the surgeon guides the tools for the kidney and uses them to drain the fluid from the cyst. Then, the walls of the cyst is cut or burned. Surgery is rarely done for the simple cysts. The procedure is used most often for complex cysts with the changes that may be cancer.

The perforation and drainage of the cyst, and then fill it with a solution. The solution of the causes of the healing and helps to prevent the cyst is filled with fluid again. Alcohol or a chemical compound that can be used as the solution.

Rarely, to reduce the size of the cyst, a long, thin needle can be inserted through your skin and through the wall of the cyst in the kidney. Then the fluid is drained from the cyst and is filled with a solution to avoid that since the reform.

The surgery to remove the cyst. A large cyst that is causing the symptoms may require surgery. To access the cyst, a surgeon makes several small incisions in the skin and inserts of special tools and a small video camera.

While watching a video monitor in the operating room, the surgeon guides the tools for the kidney and uses them to drain the fluid from the cyst. Then, the walls of the cyst is cut or burned. Surgery is rarely done for the simple cysts. The procedure is used most often for complex cysts with the changes that may be cancer.

Some of the procedures for the treatment of a cyst in the kidney may require a brief hospital stay.

Preparing for your appointment

A simple kidney cyst found during an imaging test for another illness or condition can affect them. Talk with your health care provider about what it means to have a simple cyst in the kidney means to your health. The collection of information, can put your mind at ease and help you feel more in control of their situation.

What you can do

Before you meet with your health care provider, prepare a list of questions, such as:

  • How big is the kidney cyst?
  • Is the cyst of the kidney is new or has been visible in other analysis?
  • Is the cyst of the kidney is likely to grow?
  • Can a cyst on the kidney damage to my kidney?
  • I have these unexplained symptoms. It can be caused by a cyst in the kidney?
  • What the kidney cyst should be removed?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What are the possible risks of each treatment option?
  • What symptoms may indicate that the cyst in the kidney is growing?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
  • Do you have any printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?
  • I'm going to need a follow-up visit?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions as they occur during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask a series of questions, such as:

  • Do you have any of the symptoms?
  • If so, how long have you experienced any symptoms?
  • The symptoms worsened over time?
  • Do you have blood in your urine?
  • Has had pain in the back or sides?
  • Have you had a fever or chills?
  • Do you have any other medical condition?
  • What medications, vitamins or supplements do you take?
The symptoms and treatment for Renal cysts