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Kidney cysts, also classified as simple kidney cysts, is a closed spherical pocket or sac with a thin wall and filled with fluid. It develops in the nephrons of the kidneys or on its surface as people age. Simple kidney cysts are noncancerous and usually do not cause symptoms.
Simple kidney cyst has no exact cause. However, certain disorders that may impair kidney function might cause kidney cysts. The cysts might be as small as a pea or as big as a grapefruit. One cyst usually develops on the outside of a kidney. However, one or both kidneys may develop more than one cyst.
The reason it is classified as “simple” is that there is a very little probability that it may turn into something serious. Simple kidney cysts are different to complex cysts and cysts that develop as a result of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD and complex cysts can damage kidney tissues, lead to cancer, or result to kidney failure.
Simple kidney cysts are very common. Rarely, treatments such as surgery is recommended to those who experience symptoms. Simple kidney cysts are frequently discovered during tests for another illness.
Symptoms
Most people with simple kidney cyst are asymptomatic. In some symptomatic case, the sign and symptoms of are as follow:
- Pain in the side, back, or upper abdomen
- Fever or chills
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
It is recommended to visit a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment if any of the signs and symptoms occur.
Causes
The exact cause of simple kidney cyst is unclear. Hypothetically, kidney cysts form when the kidney’s outer layer deteriorates and creates a pouch. The pouch then separates, swells with fluid, and turns into a cyst. There is no evidence that this condition is hereditary.
Another explanation also suggests that simple kidney cysts arise as a result of trauma to the tubules of the nephron or microscopic obstructions within. The nephrons are composed of filters and tubes that filtrate excess water and waste from the blood as it passes through the kidneys to be excreted as urine.
Risk factors
Simple kidney cysts can affect anyone at any age. However, as the person ages, the chance of developing it rises. Up to 50% of all people 50 years of age and older have at least one kidney cyst. It is also more prevalent in men than in women.
Diagnosis
Simple kidney cysts are commonly diagnosed using the following tests:
- Imaging tests: These tests can provide clear images of the inside of the body. It can be used to distinguish between cystic and malignant kidney masses. Imaging procedures including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and ultrasound are frequently used to identify simple kidney cysts.
- Laboratory tests: Such as kidney function test, blood and urine tests can find out if simple kidney cysts are compromising kidney function.
Treatment
Treatment may not be needed: Most simple kidney disease do not require treatment. If it has no symptoms, no impact on kidney function, or not exerting too much pressure on another organ, the doctor may only advise monitoring it through imaging tests for any changes. In some cases, simple kidney cysts disappear on their own. Treatment may be recommended if the kidney cysts changes or develops symptoms.
Treatments for cysts that cause symptoms: Symptomatic simple kidney cysts may be treated with these procedures:
- Aspiration and sclerotherapy: This a minimally invasive procedure and one of the most common treatments for kidney cysts. An alcohol or chemical solution is injected using a needle. It results in scarring and aids in keeping the cyst from once more seeping fluid.
Sometimes this surgery entails puncturing the cyst, emptying it, and then filling it with a solution. The doctor inserts a longer needle under the skin to pierce the cyst and drain the fluid. The chemical solution will prevent the cysts from regenerating.
- Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery can be used to remove large cysts by inserting thin devices through small abdominal incisions. The device has a camera that allows the doctor to see the inside of the body during surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon drains the cyst first before cutting or burning the cyst away. The treatment is more frequently applied to complicated cysts with potentially cancerous alterations. Simple cysts are rarely surgically removed.
The treatments for simple kidney cysts are generally effective and rarely causes complications. Some may require a temporary hospital stay post-treatment.
