Find Doctors
Health Packages
Book Appointment
Renal cysts are fluid sacs that form within the kidneys. About 25% of people over the age of 40 and 50% of people over the age of 50 have simple renal cysts. Kidney cysts become very common as we age, but usually do not cause symptoms or damage. For small, simple kidney cysts, treatment is not necessary, but larger or symptomatic cysts may require drainage or surgical removal to prevent further problems. Keep reading to learn what a renal cyst is, its symptoms, and the causes, diagnosis, treatment and the right prevention strategies.
What Are the Major Types of Kidney Cysts?
Understanding the different types of kidney cysts can help you know which types require medical attention. They are as follows:
Simple Renal cysts: These are the most common type of renal cyst and are usually acquired rather than hereditary.
Complex Renal Cysts: They have thicker walls, internal divisions, or solid areas and are classified according to the Bosnian classification system, which stratifies cancer risk and guides treatment options.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PCD) Cysts: Multiple cysts caused by an inherited gene mutation. PKD has a significant impact on kidney function and can lead to kidney disease over time.
Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease (ACKD) Cysts: They occur in people with chronic kidney disease, especially those undergoing long-term dialysis treatment.
What are Kidney Cyst Symptoms?
Most kidney cysts have no visible symptoms. However, large cysts greater than 2 inches can cause complications. Some common symptoms of kidney cysts include:
Pain or discomfort in the flank or back
Hematuria (hematuria)
Frequent or difficult urination
What are Kidney Cyst Causes?
Kidney cysts usually develop with age. As you get older, you are more likely to develop these fluid-filled sacs. Some common causes of kidney cysts include:
Genetic factors: In polycystic kidney disease (PCD), multiple cysts may form in both kidneys.
Acquired cysts: Can occur without any underlying disease and are often associated with aging or dialysis.
Infection or injury: Rarely, cysts may form due to infection or kidney damage.
What are the Risk Factors for Simple Kidney Cysts?
Medical experts don't exactly know what makes people more likely to develop kidney cysts, but they do know that people over the age of 50 are more likely to develop kidney cysts.
Certain conditions can also cause kidney cysts, such as:
Polycystic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
What are the Diagnostic Tests for Kidney Cysts?
To diagnose kidney cysts, imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) are performed along with blood tests. Let's take a closer look at these diagnostic tests below.
Ultrasound: This is a non-invasive method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the kidneys and detect cysts.
Computed Tomography (CT). This procedure uses X-rays and computer processing to create three-dimensional images of the kidneys to identify abnormalities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and computer processing to create detailed images of the kidneys.
Blood Test: This test helps evaluate kidney function and detect abnormalities related to kidney cysts.
Urine Tests: These tests check your urine for blood or signs of infection. These may indicate cyst-related complications.
What are Kidney Cyst Treatments?
Kidney cysts are often harmless and do not require treatment, especially if they are small and asymptomatic. However, if kidney cysts cause complications, there are several treatments available.
Excavation And Drainage
If the cyst becomes large, painful, or infected, the pus may need to be drained. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the cyst to remove fluid. Although this will temporarily relieve symptoms, it will not prevent the cyst from expanding in the future.
Sclerotherapy
In some cases, after the cyst is drained, a sclerosing agent (a chemical that causes the cyst to collapse) is injected to prevent the cyst from filling with fluid again. This kidney cyst treatment is usually used for larger cysts.
Surgery
This is done for very large cysts that cause severe pain or complications such as kidney damage. In this procedure, the cyst is removed or treated surgically to prevent further problems.
Dialysis And Kidney Transplant
In rare, severe cases where kidney cysts cause kidney failure where frequent dialysis is needed. The resort is to reach out to a kidney transplant specialist to get the right advice to maintain kidney function.
Get Specialised Treatment for Kidney Cyst at Park Hospital!
Most simple kidney cysts are harmless and require only observation, but complex or symptomatic cysts require prompt evaluation and appropriate care. Regular check-ups, appropriate diagnostic tests, and a healthy lifestyle are essential to protect long-term kidney function.
Park Hospital is recognised as the best kidney transplant hospital in India for urology care. At our hospital, we use the latest imaging technology to examine and evaluate kidney cysts. Schedule your appointment today for a personalised kidney cyst treatment plan!
Also Read: Kidney Stones in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
FAQs:
1. What are kidney cysts?
Renal cysts are round sacs of fluid that form on or within the kidneys. Kidney cysts can be caused by diseases that can impair kidney function.
2. What symptoms indicate kidney cysts?
Kidney cysts often cause no symptoms, but when they appear, look for a dull ache in the back, side, or abdomen, blood in the urine (hematuria), fever/chills (if infection is present), frequent urination, or a feeling of fullness/pressure in the abdomen.
3. How to reduce a kidney cyst?
To reduce a kidney cyst, it is important to:
Drink lots of water
Limit excessive sodium intake
Prompt treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure
4. What does an urologist do for kidney cysts?
If persistent and potentially dangerous symptoms are observed, the cyst may be pierced or drained. During this process, a long needle is inserted into the cyst. After the cyst is drained, an alcohol solution can be injected into the cyst to prevent it from forming again.
5. Do kidney cysts require treatment?
Sometimes no treatment is necessary. If a simple kidney cyst does not cause symptoms or affect kidney function, treatment may not be necessary. Treatment may be required if the cyst is complex, infected, or pressing on another organ.
