The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen. They are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and excreting them in the urine.
Most people have never heard of kidney cysts until they are diagnosed with them. If you are one of the unlucky few, you may be wondering what caused them and what you can do about it.
Kidney cysts are a common occurrence, with an estimated 10-15% of the population developing at least one over the course of their lifetime.
While most kidney cysts are benign and cause no problems, it is important to be aware of the various causes of kidney cysts, so you can seek medical attention if needed.
In this blog post, we will discuss the various causes of kidney cysts and what you can do to protect your health.
What Are Kidney Cysts?
Cysts form on or in the kidneys and are fluid-filled sacs. They’re usually benign (meaning they’re not cancerous), but they can occasionally grow large enough to cause pain, obstruct the urinary tract, or cause kidney failure.
Most people with simple cysts in the kidneys live a normal, healthy life and do not require treatment.
If you have symptoms from your kidney cysts, or if they are very large or growing quickly, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them through a procedure called sclerotherapy
Kidney cysts can sometimes be found during a routine imaging test for another condition. Imaging tests are used to diagnose simple cysts in the kidneys
For example, you might have an ultrasound of your abdomen as part of a workup for abdominal pain.
If small kidney cysts are found incidentally on an imaging test, no follow-up is usually necessary. However, your doctor may want to monitor you over time with repeat imaging tests through computed tomography (CT) to see if the cysts grow.
If you have larger kidney cysts or multiple cysts, you may be at risk of developing kidney failure. In this case, you will need to be monitored closely by a doctor and treated accordingly. Treatment for kidney failure can include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Kidney cysts are relatively common, and most people who have them don’t even know it. If you think you might have a kidney cyst, talk to your doctor about getting checked out. With proper treatment, you can live a normal, healthy life even if you have kidney cysts.
Symptoms Of Kidney Cysts
These can include:
- Abdominal pain, back, or sides
- A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
- Frequent urination with a dull pain
- Blood in the urine
- Fever Pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have multiple cysts or if they are large, seek professional medical care. They can perform tests to confirm whether you have kidney cysts and develop a treatment plan accordingly.
Treatment options will depend on the size and number of your kidney cysts as well as your overall health. With proper treatment, most people with kidney cysts can live normal, healthy lives. Schedule an appointment with your doctor today if you think you might have kidney cysts.
Causes Of Kidney Cysts
Kidney cysts are sacs of fluid that can form on your kidneys. Though they’re usually benign (noncancerous), they can cause pain or lead to kidney damage. Cysts can also interfere with how your kidneys function.
There are several types of kidney cysts, but the most common is called a simple renal cyst. These develop when small sacs form in the spaces between the tiny filtering units inside your kidneys.
Simple renal cysts don’t usually require treatment and often go away on their own. However, if you have multiple cysts or a large one, it may need to be removed surgically.
While the exact cause of kidney cysts is unknown, several risk factors may affect kidney function and increase your chance of developing them. These include:
Aging
Cysts in the kidneys are more common in older people.
Family history
If you have a family member with kidney cysts, you may be more likely to develop them yourself.
Underlying health conditions
Certain health conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), can increase your risk of developing kidney cysts.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor, so they can monitor your kidneys and look for signs of kidney cysts. Treatment is usually only necessary if the cysts are causing pain or interfering with how your kidneys function.
Conclusion
Some people with kidney cysts live normal lives with no problems. Others may experience pain or other complications. Kidney cysts can sometimes lead to kidney failure. If you have kidney cysts, it’s important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and make sure that the cysts are not causing any problems.
The best way to determine the cause of your kidney cyst is to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Once the cause is determined, treatment can be prescribed accordingly. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary, while in others, surgery may be required.
Regardless of the cause or severity of your condition, it’s important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your progress and ensure that any problems are caught early on.
Kidney cysts can be a serious condition, but with proper treatment, most people can live normal, healthy lives. If you have kidney cysts, talk to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.
