Kidney cysts : What Is It And How To Cure It

Renal cysts are sacs filled with fluid that form inside or on the kidneys. In most circumstances, they are simple kidney cysts meaning they have a thin wall with only water-like fluid in them. This condition is common in older people and initially, do not cause any symptoms or do harm.

Kidney cysts : What Is It And How To Cure It

Kidney cysts : What Is It And How To Cure It

By   YEET MAGAZINE | Updated 0439 GMT (1239 HKT)   November 2, 2022

End Stage Renal Disease
Urine Examination
Proteinuria
Low Urine Output
Hematuria
Blood Examination
Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen
Elevated Serum Creatinine
Image Studies
Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
Treatment For Renal Cysts

Unlike kidney stones which are solid stone like forms, kidney cysts are fluid-filled pouches that develop on the surface of the kidneys. Kidney cyst is generally non-cancerous and harmless, while some of them are associated with kidney disorders which can lead to complications. They can also develop inside the kidney. When these cysts become large, symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, fever or an ache in your side or back can also take place.

Generally, you don’t have to worry too much about kidney cysts unless they begin to irritate you. There is no remedy for kidney cysts. However, herbal treatment can help with the kidney function that may be impacted with the cysts.

So a renal cortical cyst is a form of kidney problem prevalent among middle and old age patients. If this condition is not treated on time, it can lead to complete kidney failure.

Renal cysts are sacs filled with fluid that form inside or on the kidneys. In most circumstances, they are simple kidney cysts meaning they have a thin wall with only water-like fluid in them. This condition is common in older people and initially, do not cause any symptoms or do harm.

What is a simple kidney cyst?



Kidney cysts are sacs filled with fluid that form in the kidneys. In most cases, kidney cysts are harmless, do not cause any symptoms, and do not require treatment.

People may only become aware of a kidney cyst if they have an imaging test that shows the kidneys.

It is actually quite common for cysts to form on the kidneys. Doctors will diagnose around 40% of people who have imaging tests of the kidneys with kidney cysts.

Doctors sometimes call straightforward cysts ‘simple kidney cysts’ or ‘simple renal cysts.’ Simple kidney cysts are typically round or oval and can range from pea-size to golf ball size.

People who have a genetic condition called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) may have multiple cysts on their kidneys that can impair their kidney function which is very different from simple kidney cysts.


Doctors are not sure why simple kidney cysts develop. Other than aging, there are no real risk factors for developing kidney cysts. Interestingly, diet and lifestyle factors do not seem to impact the risk of developing these cysts.
Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s post where I’ll discuss symptoms and treatment of simple kidney cysts

In later stages, renal cortical cysts may require treatment due to infection, bleeding or enlargement. Such complication results in symptoms that may include fever, pain or tenderness between the ribs and pelvis, pain in the abdomen, change in urination pattern, blood in the urine, swelling in hands and feet, etc. It has become quite normal to have more than one simple cyst in each kidney especially among middle and old age people. Polycystic kidney disease is one of the types of renal cortical cyst that can impair kidney function.

Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic renal failure is a disease of kidneys. The main function of kidneys is to filter out the waste substances from the body. In chronic renal failure, kidneys do not function optimally and waste substances start accumulating in the body thus hampering the function of other body organs. It is a leading cause of death in many countries. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in the prevention of symptoms.

Causes of renal failure:

There are some important reasons that may lead to chronic renal failure. It is important to know the reasons to prevent kidney damage. Important causes are:

It commonly occurs in people who suffer from other chronic ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, etc.

Regular intake of prescription drugs or over the counter medications is also an important factor that can cause chronic renal failure.

People have renal stones may have recurrent infection of kidneys which can also lead to improper functioning of kidneys.

People who eat too much salt in diet may also experience loss of kidney functions. It can affect kidney functions greatly and can lead to failure in the long run.

People eating lot of fried and processed food may also suffer from kidney problems. If it is not treated with time, it can lead to kidney failure.

Risk Factors For Renal Cysts:

Renal Cyst Risk Factors Are As Follows

Age- Elderly patients

Blunt trauma

Symptoms of renal failure :

Non-Infected Renal (Kidney) Cyst: Summary
Pain

Flank- dull to severe pain over the flank, may radiate to lower back.
Abdomen- Pain is localized over upper abdomen either right or left side depending on side of kidney with renal cyst.

Infected Renal (Kidney) Cyst Summary-1:

Fever With Chills


Infected cyst may present with fever of unknown origin. Fever is often associated with chills. Fever often does not respond to anti fever medications like Tylenol.
Pain
Flank- Pain is often moderate to severe in intensity. Examination of flank is often associated with tenderness and increased pain on examination and palpation.
Abdomen- Pain is localized over upper abdomen either right or left side depending on side of kidney with renal cyst. Pain is increased following examination.

Renal Cyst: End Stage Renal Disease (Very Rare) Summary:

Low urine output
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of weight
Nausea and vomiting
Dry skin and itching
Confusion and change in mental status

Symptoms of renal failure :

People suffering from renal failure present characteristic symptoms that help in quick diagnosis of the problem. Important symptoms of renal failure that can help in quick diagnosis include the following:

A person may experience difficulty in passing urine. There is retention of water in the body and it can cause swelling in various body parts.

There is pitting edema on ankles and swelling under the eyes.

People suffering from renal failure constantly complain of headache due to high blood pressure. Blood pressure increases as salts are not removed out from the body.

There's loss of appetite and bad taste in the mouth

Fever may be present due to infection of the renal tissues.

Pain may be present in the pelvic area and it may extend backwards or down to the thighs.

Natural remedies for renal failure:

Natural remedies for renal failure can help in the treatment of kidney problems naturally. Herbs are safe and provide nutrition to the kidney cells for optimum functioning. Herbal remedies may be taken regularly for a longer period of time to prevent complications. Important natural remedies for renal failure include the following:

Home remedies for chronic renal failure:

People suffering from chronic renal failure can also try home remedies to get rid of symptoms and prevent further complications. Home remedies are safe and can be regularly taken to reduce the symptoms and for improving the functions of kidneys naturally. Important home remedies that help in chronic renal failure include the following:

People suffering from renal failure should rink half a cup of radish juice everyday to prevent kidney disease. It helps in removing toxins from the body.

Cucumber juice is also a wonderful remedy for preventing kidney disease. Drink cucumber juice daily to flush out waste substances.

Cranberry juice is a wonderful natural and home remedy for improving kidney functions. It also boosts up the immune system.

One should avoid taking too much salt in diet for improving kidney functions. People with chronic renal failure should try to take limited salt in diet.

Keep Your Body Hydrated :

Drinking sufficient water is highly recommended to those suffering from renal cyst. Water allows your kidneys to perform their job correctly. It is recommended that you drink four liters of water per day. This amount of water will lead to about 1.5 liters of urine which can flush toxins out of the body. You can consider drinking cranberry juice too as it helps with a wide variety of kidney and urinary issues.

Eat Ample of Fruits & Vegetables :

The nutritionists always prescribe diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods not only have a good fiber content but they also supply the essential vitamins and minerals. Experts recommend eating about four to five cups of fruits and vegetables. However, juice never counts towards your fruit quota because it lacks fiber. Also, leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, should be included in your diet.

Keep a Check on Protein Consumption :

At the same time, it is also suggested to maintain a healthy balance of protein in your daily diet. When the body has sufficient amount of protein it enables the kidneys to do extra works. Therefore, including one to one and a half cups of protein in your diet. But make sure it is lean protein so that you do not end up gaining excessive fats.

Stop Smoking :

Smoking, fumes from household chemicals and cleaners, and overuse of medicines create extra toxins in the body. This means extra work for your kidneys. Increasing the level of stress on kidneys means the cysts will increase in size. Therefore, always avoid those elements which make the matters worse and lead a healthy and blissful life.

Renal Cysts

Renal Cysts: Causes, Risk Factors, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications


Reviewed By: Pramod Kerkar, MD, FFARCSI


Cyst is a sac filled with fluid. Renal Cyst is a kidney disease caused by solitary (single) or multiple cysts that is filled with fluid situated at the surface or within the kidney tissue. The renal cyst is a fluid filled pouches in the kidney that may or may not cause symptoms. Disease associated with multiple renal cysts is also known as cystic kidney disease or polycystic kidney disease. In this article, we will read in detail about the various causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment for Renal Cysts.

Renal Cysts

How Do We Define Renal Cyst?


Kidney Cysts


Cyst often lies near the surface of the kidney. The shape of the cyst is round with regular or irregular circumference or border. Fluid filled within the cyst is serous fluid, looks clear or mild yellowish in color.


Solitary Cyst


Solitary kidney cysts are simple cysts, which rarely causes any complication.
Usually, there is only single small cyst, which lies on the surface of the kidney.


Large and Multiple Cysts


Large or multiple kidney cysts may be associated with potentially serious medical conditions, which may affect the function of the kidneys.
The large cyst may cause end stage renal disease.


Multiple Renal Cyst may be observed in both kidneys.


Origin of Cyst


It is not clear as to how exactly Renal Cysts originate.


Asymptomatic Solitary Renal Cysts


Single asymptomatic renal cyst is diagnosed during image study.
Image study is often done for diagnosis of abdominal pain or abdominal diseases.
Solitary asymptomatic renal cyst is not aggressively treated.


Causes of Renal Cysts


As stated above, Renal Cysts do not have a clear cut cause. One assumption is that Renal Cysts develop when the top layer of the kidney becomes weak resulting in formation of a pouch which then gets filled with fluid resulting in the formation of a Renal Cyst.

Risk Factors For Renal Cysts
Renal Cyst Risk Factors Are As Follows-
Age- Elderly patients


Blunt trauma

Symptoms Of Renal Cysts

Non-Infected Renal (Kidney) Cyst
Pain


Flank- dull to severe pain over the flank, may radiate to lower back.
Abdomen- Pain is localized over upper abdomen either right or left side depending on side of kidney with renal cyst.

Infected Renal (Kidney) Cyst

Fever With Chills


Infected cyst may present with fever of unknown origin. Fever is often associated with chills. Fever often does not respond to anti fever medications like Tylenol.

Pain

Flank- Pain is often moderate to severe in intensity. Examination of flank is often associated with tenderness and increased pain on examination and palpation.
Abdomen- Pain is localized over upper abdomen either right or left side depending on side of kidney with renal cyst. Pain is increased following examination.

Renal Cyst: End Stage Renal Disease (Very Rare)

Low urine output
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of weight
Nausea and vomiting
Dry skin and itching
Confusion and change in mental status

Diagnosis of Renal Cysts

Diagnosis of Non Infected Renal Cyst

Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI

Diagnosis of Infected Renal Cyst

Blood Examination

Complete Blood Count
Increased white blood cell count
Increased Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate.

Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI

End Stage Renal Disease
Urine Examination
Proteinuria
Low Urine Output
Hematuria
Blood Examination
Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen
Elevated Serum Creatinine
Image Studies
Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
Treatment For Renal Cysts

Traditional Treatment For Renal Cysts

Traditional Treatment For Non Infected Renal Cyst:

Solitary or Multiple Asymptomatic Renal Cyst-:

No Treatment


Periodic Image study to observe the growth of the cyst

Solitary (Single) or Multiple Symptomatic Cyst:

Pain Medications-:

NSAIDS- Motrin, Tylenol or Celebrex

Percutaneous Drainage of the Tube-:

Drainage of the Cyst: This is done by draining the fluid filled in the cyst and then filling it with alcohol to prevent it from recurring but in most cases the cyst formation recurs even after the procedure and hence this sort of procedure is reserved only for certain situations.

Percutaneous CT Guided Sclerotherapy of Cyst-2:

Needle is inserted under CT guidance. Once needle is placed within the cyst, dye is injected to confirm the position of the needle.
Following the dye study, ethanol is injected in the cyst. Ethanol causes inflammation and scarring, which closes the cystic space.

Surgical Exploration and Removal of Cyst:

Surgery For Removal of Renal Cyst: An enlarged Renal Cyst or a cyst that becomes symptomatic can be treated by surgical removal of the cyst.

Infected Solitary or Multiple Renal Cyst:


Antibiotics
Pain Medications

Surgical Treatments


Percutaneous drainage of the tube
Surgical exploration and removal of cyst
Endoscopic deroofing of the cyst.3