Kidney Cysts

Cysts can form on either kidney and can develop in groups.

Kidney cysts are pouches of tissue. Within the wall of the tissue, a circular, fluid filled pocket is formed. These types of cysts are commonly known as simple cysts, and are generally harmless and not known to cause major complications for the kidneys.

Kidney cysts are not usually inherited, but mainly found on weakened kidneys.

• Detached fluid can attribute to the formation of the cyst.
• Males over the age of 50 tend to develop kidney cysts. Cysts can form on either kidney and can be one cyst, or many cysts.

Symptoms

Simple kidney cysts are generally benign and are not known to cause symptoms. As a result, the majority of kidney cysts cause little to no pain. Possible symptoms that can occur are:

• Blood in urine
• Fever and chills
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Kidney infection
• Increase in blood pressure
• Dull pain in side or back

Complications

Complications can occur after the development of kidney cysts. These include:

• Cyst Infection: Infections can result in pain and a rise in body temperature, causing fevers
• Urinary Blockage: This can cause the kidneys to become abnormally enlarged
• Cyst Rupture: Burst kidney cysts result in severe pain

Treatment

Kidney cysts sometimes do not require treatment. When treatment is needed, you will see a urologist (a doctor specializing in conditions of the urinary tract). Some possible treatments include, laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery is a diagnostic operation aided by a small camera and incisions in the abdominal cavity to help surgeons examine bodily organs. Many patients are candidates for the surgery. However, a major disqualifier would be patients with excessive scar tissue. The surgery is minimally invasive and offers a faster recovery time when compared to traditional surgery. With this method, the cyst can be removed.

Other types of treatment include:

• Cyst Drainage: A doctor punctures the kidney cyst by inserting a medical needle into the skin and into the cyst. Once the fluid is removed from the cyst, a doctor may take steps to prevent another occurrence by inserting a specialized medical solution into the cyst.
• Time: Many kidney cysts are not noticed. They also dissolve or shrink on their own, in time. There is no medical treatment necessary if symptoms do not occur or agitate the kidney.