Kidney Cysts

Kidney cysts has two kinds:simple kidney cysts,complex kidney cysts.
Definition
Simple kidney cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled sacs that form in the kidneys. Simple kidney cysts are different from the cysts that develop when a person has polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which is a genetic disorder. Simple kidney cysts do not enlarge the kidneys, replace their normal structure, or cause reduced kidney function like cysts do in people with PKD.
Simple kidney cysts are more common as people age. An estimated 25 percent of people 40 years of age and 50 percent of people 50 years of age have simple kidney cysts.
What causes simple kidney cysts?
The cause of simple kidney cysts is not fully understood. Obstruction of tubules—tiny structures within the kidneys that collect urine—or deficiency of blood supply to the kidneys may play a role. Diverticula—sacs that form on the tubules—may detach and become simple kidney cysts. The role of genetic factors in the development of simple kidney cysts has not been studied.
Simple Kidney Cyst Symptoms
Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms. In most cases, a doctor finds them during an ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan done for another reason. However, simple kidney cysts may:
· Cause pain in your side, back, or upper abdomen if they enlarge and press on other organs
· Bleed
· Become infected, causing fever, chills, or other signs of infection
· Impair kidney function (rare)
Simple kidney cysts have been associated with high blood pressure, but it is unclear what the relationship is between the two.
Simple Kidney Cyst Treatment
If your cyst does not cause symptoms or complications, you do not need treatment. Your doctor may simply watch your cysts to make sure they don't cause any problems. However, in the rare case that you have symptoms, you may need treatment.
You may have a procedure that involves these steps:
· A doctor punctures the cyst with a long needle inserted through the skin, using ultrasound for guidance.
· The doctor drains (aspirates) the cyst and may then fill the empty pouch with a solution that contains alcohol; this causes the tissue to harden and lowers the chances of recurrence. Scarring down the space within the cyst is called sclerosis.
In some cases, a cyst will return and refill with fluid. Your doctor may recommend surgery that entails general anesthesia and a large incision. During the procedure, the surgeon would insert a thin, lighted viewing tube called a laparoscope and other instruments to drain the fluid from the cyst and remove or burn its outer wall to keep it from reforming.
Points to Remember
· Simple kidney cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled sacs that form in the kidneys.
· Simple kidney cysts usually do not cause symptoms or harm the kidneys.
· Most simple kidney cysts are found during imaging tests done for other reasons.
· Treatment is not needed for simple kidney cysts that do not cause any symptoms.

· Simple kidney cysts that are causing symptoms or blocking the flow of blood or urine through the kidney may need to be treated using sclerotherapy or surgery.