World Kidney Day 2023: Kidney Cysts: Know Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Add as a preferred source on Google

Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that grow in the bean-shaped organ responsible for filtering waste from the bloodstream to produce urine. You may have a cyst on one kidney or many cysts on both.

There are a variety of types of kidney cysts, most of which are small round sacs that contain a thin wall and are filled with watery fluids. Cysts can develop on the surface and in the nephrons of the kidneys as individuals age. They can vary in size from a small pea to a grapefruit in size. Cysts can also grow over time as the individual ages [1].

What Are The Types Of Kidney Cysts?

Cysts can be either simple cysts or polycystic kidney disease. Simple cysts, on the other hand, are individual cysts that form on the kidneys. Simple cysts do not cause damage to the kidneys or affect the way they work.

In polycystic kidney disease (PKD), many cysts form in the kidneys. These cysts can cause damage to the kidneys as they grow [2].

What Causes Kidney Cysts?

Researchers do not know what causes a simple cyst to develop, but they do know that simple cysts are not inherited. A kidney cyst can be the result of an injury or microscopic blockage in the tubules.

Simple cysts are thought to be caused by microscopic blockages in the tubules [3].

What Are The Signs Of Kidney Cysts?

Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause any symptoms - in fact, most people who have them are unaware that they exist.

In contrast, if the cyst becomes large or infected, it may cause symptoms such as the following [4]:

• Fever
• Pain in your back or side between your ribs and pelvis
• Pain in your upper abdomen
• Abdominal swelling
• Excessive urination
• Blood in your urine

• Dark urine
• Polycystic kidney disease causes symptoms such as the following:
• Back and side pain
• High blood pressure
• Blood in your urine

Who Is At Risk Of Developing Kidney Cysts?

In adults 50 years of age and older, it is common for people to develop simple kidney cysts. Half of all people have at least one kidney cyst. Cysts usually occur only in one kidney, but as we age, the number of cysts increases and the risk of a cyst developing in the second kidney increases.

What Are The Complications Of Kidney Cysts?

In most cases, cysts do not cause any problems. However, sometimes they can cause complications, such as the following [5]:

• Cyst infection
• Burst cyst
• Kidney blockage
• High blood pressure

Over time, PKD can cause kidney damage. About half of the people with this condition will experience kidney failure by the age of 60.

How Are Kidney Cysts Treated?

Typically, a kidney cyst will be diagnosed by a urologist. Your doctor will examine your kidney function by taking blood or urine samples. Additionally, you may require imaging tests.

Cysts that are small and do not cause kidney problems may not require treatment. You may simply need imaging tests every six to 12 months to ensure the cyst has not grown [6].

Treatment options include sclerotherapy and surgery for cysts that are larger or causing symptoms.

On A Final Note...

In general, kidney cysts are harmless and do not cause any problems. If a cyst grows, surgery or sclerotherapy can be performed to remove it without long-term complications. Polycystic kidney disease can be more severe. In the absence of treatment, PKD can result in complications such as high blood pressure and kidney failure.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.