Renal cyst

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Renal cyst
File:Renal cyst MRI.jpg
Synonyms Simple kidney cyst
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Often asymptomatic, but can include flank pain, hematuria
Complications Infection, hemorrhage, hypertension
Onset Typically increases with age
Duration Can be lifelong
Types Simple renal cyst, complex renal cyst
Causes Mostly idiopathic, some genetic factors
Risks Age, polycystic kidney disease
Diagnosis Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis Polycystic kidney disease, renal cell carcinoma
Prevention None specific
Treatment Observation, aspiration, sclerotherapy, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good for simple cysts
Frequency Common, especially in older adults
Deaths N/A


File:Simple renal cyst.jpg
Simple renal cyst
File:Bosniak 2F renal cyst.jpg
Bosniak 2F renal cyst
File:Histopathology of simple cyst of the kidney.jpg
Histopathology of simple cyst of the kidney
File:Advanced polycystic kidney disease with multiple cysts.jpg
Advanced polycystic kidney disease with multiple cysts
File:CT of peripelvic cysts with non-contrast and urography.jpg
CT of peripelvic cysts with non-contrast and urography

Renal cysts are sacs of fluid that form in the kidney. They are a common condition, especially in older adults, and are typically harmless. However, in some cases, they may be associated with serious conditions such as Polycystic Kidney Disease or Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Types of Renal Cysts[edit]

There are several types of renal cysts, including:

  • Simple Renal Cysts: These are the most common type of renal cyst. They are typically harmless and often do not cause symptoms.
  • Complex Renal Cysts: These cysts have irregular shapes and may contain solid material. They are more likely to be cancerous than simple renal cysts.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease: This is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys.

Symptoms[edit]

Many people with renal cysts do not experience symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:

Diagnosis[edit]

Renal cysts are often discovered during imaging tests for other conditions. Tests that can detect renal cysts include:

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for renal cysts depends on whether they are causing symptoms or are associated with a serious condition. Options may include:

  • Observation: If the cysts are not causing symptoms and are not associated with a serious condition, they may simply be monitored.
  • Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, a needle is used to drain the cyst, and then a solution is injected to cause the tissue to harden and prevent the cyst from reforming.
  • Surgery: If the cysts are large, causing symptoms, or are suspected to be cancerous, surgery may be required to remove them.

See Also[edit]