A kidney cyst is a round pouch commonly filled with fluid and growing on or in your kidneys. There may be a connection between kidney cysts and some dangerous disorders that can weaken or damage kidney function. There may exist only one cyst on one kidney or a number of cysts on both kidneys.
There are two types of kidney cysts, simple cysts, the commonest type of kidney cysts, and polycystic kidney disease, which can result in kidney failure. Simple cysts, also known as non-cancerous cysts, usually do not lead to complications or harm the kidneys. Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited condition which can beget many other cysts on the kidneys, which are harmful to your kidneys and can influence the kidney’s function as they grow.
Simple cysts are usually harmless and symptomless, so they are not usually detected until you have imaging scan for another condition.
Causes of Simple Cysts
The causes of simple cysts are not so clear; however, they do not seem to be inherited. Age and being male are greater risks of having kidney cysts. These cysts can get bigger as you age and can gain double-the-size over ten years.
It is, furthermore, known that there is approximately one million of teensy-weensy tubules in one kidney, the function of which is to collect urine. Doctors assume that cysts begin to grow when one tube is blocked, swollen, and fluid-filled. There is another belief that cysts begin to grow when there exist pouches full of fluid, known as diverticula, in weakened areas of the tubules.
Symptoms of Simple Kidney Cyst
Simple cysts usually exhibit no symptoms, but if the cysts grow larger or get infected, they can:
- You can also notice blood in your urine
- Dark urine
- Cause pain in your back or side or upper abdomen especially when the cysts gain a large size and press on other organs. The pain is often dull, but if the cysts burst, it can be more severe
- Fever or chills
- Urinating more often than normal
- Impair kidney function (this is rare)
Polycystic kidney disease can display symptoms including:
- High blood pressure
- Pain in the back and side
- Blood in the urine
Treatments for Simple Kidney Cysts
Treatment may not be needed if the cyst causes no symptoms or complications. Nevertheless, if you experience symptoms, treatment may be required.
You may have a procedure that engages these steps:
- Doctors will use a long needle which is inserted through your skin to get the cyst punctured. During the process, ultrasound is needed for guidance.
- Doctors drain the cyst and fill the pouch, which is empty right now, with a solution that has alcohol. The tissue, as a result, can harden and the risks of recurrence can be kept low.
In case the cyst recurs and is filled with fluid again, surgery with anesthesia and a large incision may be recommended.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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