Know Everything about Kidney Cyst: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
A renal cyst is a round, fluid-filled sac on or within the kidney. They may be associated with diseases that may affect the working of the kidney in some way. However, simple kidney cysts are quite common nowadays and the type of them is more frequent. Simple renal cysts are benign and do not normally present symptomatology.
The exact cause of simple kidney cysts remains unknown. In most cases, the growth happens only on the surface of one kidney and is represented by a cyst. However, it is possible that more than one cyst can develop within one or both kidneys. It is important to differentiate between simple kidney cysts and cysts that occur with polycystic kidney disease. Another classification is the difference between simple cysts and complex cysts. Such cysts have to be carefully monitored for any sign of change that may be cancer.
What are the Two Types of Kidney Cysts?
There are typically two categories of kidney cysts: simple and complex. The majority of kidney cysts are simple cysts. Healthcare professionals utilize the Bosniak system to categorize kidney cysts into five levels (named after the physician who created the system).
Simple kidney cysts: Simple renal cysts are typically benign and pose no threat. They are usually asymptomatic unless they grow significantly in size. These cysts are fluid-filled, round, and have thin walls. They fall under category I on the classification scale and do not necessitate any further evaluation or treatment.
Complex kidney cysts: Renal cysts of a complex nature, on the other hand, have the potential to be cancerous or develop into cancer. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor, treat, or remove a complex cyst. They differ in appearance from simple cysts, as they may be solid, irregularly shaped, or have a thick outer wall. Complex cysts are much less common than simple cysts.
What are the Symptoms of Kidney Cysts?
Simple renal cysts typically do not exhibit any symptoms. In reality, the majority of individuals with these cysts are unaware of their presence. However, complications arise if the cysts rupture, become infected, or grow to a size where they exert pressure on surrounding tissues and organs in the abdominal area.
When symptoms do manifest due to simple renal cysts, they may include:
- Discomfort or pain in the side between the ribs and hips, as well as in the stomach or back.
- Fever.
- Frequent urination.
- Presence of blood in the urine or dark-colored urine.
Depending on the cyst’s location, it can impact kidney function and potentially lead to a form of hypertension if it hinders the kidney’s ability to filter excess fluid from the blood.
How is it Cause?
Kidney cysts develop when the nephron’s tubule becomes enlarged and fills with fluid. The exact cause of this occurrence is unknown, but it is understood that simple cysts are not hereditary and do not result from genetic conditions. It is hypothesized that injury or tiny obstructions in the tubules could contribute to the formation of simple kidney cysts.
How is it Diagnosed?
Healthcare professionals often come across a simple kidney cyst incidentally while conducting imaging tests for another medical condition. If a cyst is detected, further tests may be recommended to determine whether it is simple or complex.
- Ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves and echoes to generate images of your kidneys.
- Computed tomography (CT) uses X-rays and computer processing to produce 3D images of your kidneys.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) involves a compelling magnet, radio waves, and computer processing to create images of your kidneys, aiding your provider in distinguishing between cysts filled with fluid and solid masses.
- Kidney function tests, including blood and urine tests, can inform your provider about how well your kidneys are functioning and whether the cyst is impacting their performance.
- In cases where monitoring of a kidney cyst is deemed necessary by your healthcare provider, imaging tests will likely be repeated every six months to two years. Should the cyst cause symptoms in between follow-up appointments, it is important to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
How is it Treated?
n the majority of instances, a simple kidney cyst does not require treatment from your healthcare provider. However, if the cyst is causing pressure on another organ or impacting the functionality of your kidney, removal of the cyst may be deemed necessary. If there are concerns that the cyst is cancerous or has the potential to develop into cancer, your provider may opt for removal as well.
There are two primary methods that healthcare providers commonly utilize for treating kidney cysts:
- Aspiration and sclerotherapy: This involves the insertion of a long needle under the skin to puncture the cyst and drain the fluid. In some cases, a special solution may also be injected into the cyst to reduce the likelihood of it refilling.
- Surgery: Typically performed laparoscopically, surgery for cyst removal entails the insertion of thin instruments through small incisions in the abdomen. During the procedure, the cyst is drained, and the outer tissue is either cut or burned away by the provider.
Occasionally, a cyst may reappear and become filled with fluid once again. Your physician might suggest a surgical intervention involving the administration of sedative medications to induce sleep and the creation of a sizable incision. Throughout the operation, a laparoscope, a slender, illuminated viewing device, along with other tools will be utilized by the surgeon to extract the fluid from the cyst and eliminate or cauterize its outer lining to prevent its recurrence. It may be necessary for you to remain in the hospital for a period of one to two days post-surgery.
Also read: Best Nephrologists in Gurgaon
Take Away
Learning that you have a cyst on your kidney might be worrisome. However, it’s important to know that kidney cysts are frequently occurring and typically not a reason for worry. Additional tests may be suggested by your healthcare provider to further examine the cyst and decide if treatment is needed. Have a discussion with your provider about the specific type of cyst you have and its implications for your health. Feel free to inquire about any concerns you may have. In most instances, your provider will monitor the cyst and advise you to be vigilant for any signs of trouble such as pain, fever, or blood in your urine.
