What Is a Kidney Cyst?
A kidney cyst is a smooth, thin-walled tissue which forms a round pouch and is generally filled with fluid. A number of them may form in the kidney and may or may not cause any symptoms to appear.
Different from polycystic kidney disease, kidney cysts are generally harmless. However, they can be associated with serious disorders which may lead to impairment of kidney function.
Further complications may include:
- An infected cyst, which may cause fever and pain.
- The kidney cyst may burst and cause severe pain in the back or side.
- Urine obstruction, which may lead to swelling of the kidney (hydronephrosis)
Although, there is no clear cause of kidney cysts, research is being conducted in this domain to find a conclusive answer.
Kidney cysts may occur in either one or both of the kidneys.An estimated 25 percent of people 40 years of age and 50 percent of people 50 years of age have been reported to have simple kidney cysts.
Causes Of Kidney Cyst:
The underlying cause of kidney cysts are yet unknown. However, they do not appear to be inherited as they do not commonly run in families.
Moreover, obstruction of tubules, tiny structures within the kidneys that collect urine, or deficiency of blood supply to the kidneys may play a role.
Furthermore, a possible theory is that the layer of the surface of the kidney weakens with time and then forms a pouch called diverticula. Diverticula then detaches and become kidney cysts.
Possible risk factors include being a male and increasing age.
Symptoms Of Kidney Cyst:
In most cases, kidney cysts do not cause any signs and symptoms.
However, if symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Dull pain in the side, back, or upper abdomen
- Bleeding
- The cyst may become infected, causing fever, chills, tenderness or other signs of infection
- Impairment of kidney function
Diagnosis Of Kidney Cyst:
Kidney cysts can be diagnosed via:
- Imaging tests
Ultrasound, to distinguish between harmless cysts and other problems
CT scan
MRI - Kidney function tests, to evaluate if kidney cysts are causing impairment in kidney function
Treatment Of Kidney Cyst:
If no signs and symptoms are exhibited, no treatment is required.
However, if signs and symptoms do occur, the following treatment options are available:
- Puncturing and draining the cyst, then filling it with alcohol.
This shrinks the cyst and the alcohol prevents the cyst from reforming - Surgery to remove the cyst.
This involves draining the fluid from the cyst and cutting off the walls of the cyst.
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By : Natural Health News
