Introduction:
The kidneys are bean-shaped abdominal organs. They filter the waste from the blood, excreting it as urine. Kidneys are necessary for controlling blood pressure and other bodily functions. Round fluid pouches called kidney cysts can develop on or inside the kidneys. Disorders that may impede kidney function might cause kidney cysts. However, simple kidney cysts are a form of kidney cysts that occur more frequently. Simple kidney cysts are rarely problematic and are not malignant. Simple kidney cysts have no known cause. One cyst frequently develops on the outside of a kidney. However, one or both kidneys may develop more than one cyst. Cysts that develop due to polycystic kidney disease differ from simple kidney cysts. Therefore, it is essential to watch for any changes that could be malignancies in complex cysts.
What Is a Kidney Cyst?
A common health issue, kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the kidneys. They cause no complications or harm to the kidney. However, they may cause pain, infection, or other symptoms if they become too large.
What Is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
Polycystic kidney disease occurs due to the growth of numerous cysts in the kidney. It is a genetic condition that can result in the following:
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Numerous cysts.
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Kidney enlargement.
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Impaired kidney function.
What Is Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease?
Acquired cystic kidney disease occurs due to long-term damage from kidney disease or dialysis. Acquired cystic kidney disease differs from polycystic kidney disease because it occurs due to other kidney problems rather than a genetic defect. Acquired cystic kidney disease cysts may not require treatment, but the underlying cause will.
Epidemiology of Kidney Cysts:
Simple renal cysts are prevalent and increase in frequency with age. Solitary renal cysts are usually discovered by chance and are asymptomatic. However, multiple renal cysts are common in dialysis patients with chronic renal disease.
Pathophysiology of Kidney Cyst:
The pathophysiology of renal cysts is unknown. Cyst formation may begin with diverticula on the distal tubule of the nephron. A simple cyst may develop due to the basal membrane aging process and urinary blockage. Simple renal cysts usually contain serous fluid and have a simple epithelial lining. An atrophic epithelial layer can develop in a simple cyst.
Risk Factors Associated With Kidney Cysts:
Pre-existing kidney disease or long-term dialysis treatment causes a kidney cyst. The exact etiology of the kidney cyst is not yet determined. Age is a risk factor now known for developing simple kidney cysts. Simple kidney cysts are relatively familiar with increasing age. Diet and lifestyle do not appear to influence the risk of developing these cysts. Simple kidney cysts affect up to 25 % of adults over 40 and half of those over 50 at some point. Furthermore, men may be slightly more likely than women to develop simple kidney cysts.
What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Cyst?
The majority of simple kidney cysts are asymptomatic. But if a kidney cyst gets big enough, it might produce apparent symptoms. Among these symptoms are:
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Dull back pain.
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Pain in the upper abdomen.
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Fever in case of infection.
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Blood in the urine.
If a problem, like an infection or a rupture, does place, symptoms could get worse.
What Are the Complications of Kidney Cyst?
Simple kidney cyst complications include:
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Ruptured cysts.
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Cysts infected.
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Kidney swelling caused by urine obstruction
When complications arise, symptoms may worsen, and a person should seek medical attention immediately. The majority of complications, including ruptured cysts, are treatable conservatively. However, if they are not treated promptly, they can be fatal.
How Is a Kidney Cyst Diagnosed?
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Ultrasound:
A type of imaging called ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce a precise image of the kidneys. This diagnostic tool can aid in the diagnosis of kidney cysts. In addition, the doctor may order other diagnostic tests to learn more about the growth of a kidney cyst.
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CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: A three-dimensional image of the kidneys is created using computer imaging to show tumors or cysts.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Images of the body's soft tissues and organs, including the kidneys, are produced by radio waves and magnets.
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Kidney Function Test: A kidney function test is a simple blood test that determines how well the kidneys function.
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Urinalysis: Analysis of the urine in the body. These can all be done as outpatient procedures. Usually, no preparation is required, but a person should always follow a doctor's instructions before the test.
How to Treat Kidney Cysts?
Most simple kidney cysts do not require treatment other than periodic monitoring. However, kidney cysts that cause symptoms should be treated if they obstruct urine or blood flow through the kidneys. In these cases, a doctor may recommend sclerotherapy, which involves draining the cyst. During sclerotherapy, a doctor will use ultrasound to guide a needle to the cyst. After that, the fluid sac is punctured with a needle and drained. After that, a saline solution will be injected to harden the tissue there and stop the growth of more cysts. Finally, the procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. In rare cases, a person may require surgery to drain or remove a large cyst. This is typically accomplished with a small tool equipped with a light and camera on one end, allowing the surgeon to keep the incision as small as possible. In the case of an infected cyst, the doctor may start antibiotic therapy before any other treatment.
Conclusion:
Cysts are fluid-filled formations that can range from benign (non-cancerous) simple cysts to more complicated cysts that can be malignant (non-cancerous). Simple kidney cysts are usually not dangerous and do not require treatment. However, a full recovery is likely in cases where treatment is required due to a primary care provider may encounter a renal cyst during an incidental imaging study. A urologist and radiologist should manage these patients. Large cysts can be aspirated or surgically removed. Most patients have a healthy recovery.
