Renal Cysts: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Q: Renal Cysts: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Hello： The information provided here is for reference only and cannot replace a physician's examination, assessment, or testing. <br>I would like to ask about a situation from a year ago when I had an ultrasound at a clinic, and the doctor informed me that there was a cyst on my

There is a cyst on the right kidney?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a situation I encountered.
A year ago, I had an ultrasound at a clinic, and the doctor informed me that there was a cyst on my right kidney.
Over the past year, I have had two follow-up appointments regarding the cyst, and the clinic doctor indicated that there has been no significant enlargement.
Recently, after the pandemic situation eased, I went to a large hospital for further examination, where I was found to have hematuria with a result of ++.
The doctor reviewed the ultrasound and initially said it was a simple renal cyst, but after seeing the hematuria, he recommended that I undergo a contrast-enhanced CT scan.
I would like to know if this kidney cyst could potentially become problematic, or if I have delayed treatment.
Could the cyst be causing my lower back pain and the hematuria?

Zhou Qiangqiang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/08

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: The information provided here is for reference only and cannot replace a physician's examination, assessment, or testing.
I would like to ask about a situation from a year ago when I had an ultrasound at a clinic, and the doctor informed me that there was a cyst on my right kidney.
Over the past year, I have had two follow-up appointments regarding the cyst, and the clinic doctor indicated that there was no significant increase in size.
Recently, after the pandemic eased a bit, I went to a large hospital for further testing, where they found that I had hematuria with a result of ++.
After reviewing the ultrasound, the doctor initially said it was a simple renal cyst, but upon seeing the hematuria, they recommended that I undergo a contrast-enhanced CT scan.
I would like to know if this kidney cyst could potentially become problematic, or if I have delayed treatment? --> The likelihood is extremely low, almost impossible.
The purpose of the CT scan may be to investigate other potential causes of the hematuria.
Could the cyst be causing lower back pain and the hematuria? --> The chances are very slim.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/11/08

More Info

Understanding renal cysts is crucial for managing kidney health, especially when there are accompanying symptoms like hematuria (blood in urine) or back pain. Renal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the kidneys, and they are quite common, especially in older adults. Most renal cysts are benign and do not cause any symptoms or complications. However, the presence of hematuria and back pain can indicate that further evaluation is necessary.

Risks and Symptoms of Renal Cysts
1. Types of Renal Cysts: There are simple cysts, which are usually harmless, and complex cysts, which may have solid components and could potentially be cancerous. Simple cysts typically do not require treatment unless they cause symptoms. Complex cysts, on the other hand, may require further imaging or even biopsy to rule out malignancy.

2. Symptoms: Many people with renal cysts experience no symptoms. However, if a cyst grows large enough, it can cause discomfort or pain in the back or side. Hematuria can occur if a cyst ruptures or if there is irritation to the kidney or urinary tract.

3. Potential Complications: While most renal cysts are benign, there is a risk that a complex cyst could be cancerous. Additionally, large cysts can lead to kidney dysfunction or hypertension.

Diagnostic Approach
Given your situation, where a renal cyst was identified and you are experiencing hematuria, it is prudent to follow your doctor's recommendations for further imaging, such as a contrast-enhanced CT scan. This imaging will provide more detailed information about the cyst's characteristics and help determine if it is simple or complex.
- Urinary Analysis: The presence of hematuria can be due to various reasons, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even malignancy. Therefore, it is essential to investigate this symptom further.

- Follow-Up Imaging: The CT scan will help clarify the nature of the cyst and rule out any serious conditions. If the cyst is confirmed to be simple and there are no other concerning features, it may just require regular monitoring.

Treatment Options
1. Observation: If the cyst is simple and asymptomatic, the typical approach is to monitor it over time with periodic ultrasounds or CT scans.

2. Intervention: If the cyst is large, symptomatic, or shows concerning features on imaging, treatment options may include:
- Aspiration: Draining the cyst with a needle under ultrasound guidance.

- Surgery: In cases where the cyst is complex or there is a suspicion of malignancy, surgical removal may be necessary.

Conclusion
In summary, while the presence of a renal cyst is common and often benign, the combination of hematuria and back pain warrants further investigation. It is essential to follow through with the recommended CT scan to ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed. Delaying treatment can lead to complications, but early detection and monitoring can often lead to favorable outcomes. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any concerns you may have regarding your kidney health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Cystic Renal Tumors: Risks, Types, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. My older brother went to the ER a few days ago due to sudden hematuria. The initial assessment suggested a renal cyst, but after X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scans, it was suspected to be a renal angiomyolipoma. However, after a discussio...

Dr. Hu Ziren reply Oncology
It is recommended to further discuss the surgical risks with the physician and to wait for the pathology report after the excision before having a detailed discussion about subsequent related treatments.

Managing Congenital Kidney Cysts: Follow-Up and Treatment Insights

Hello Doctor: My brother, my father, and I all have congenital renal cysts. The previous doctor prescribed medications to promote surrounding blood circulation and antihistamines. Should we continue to have regular follow-ups? If we take the medication as prescribed, will we full...

Dr. Chen Junji reply Urology
Hello, based on your description in the letter, you and your family members (father, younger brother) may have "autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease" (ADPKD). I would like to know if your uncle, paternal uncle, or grandfather also have a history of "renal c...

Understanding Kidney Cysts: Risks and Monitoring for Your Health

Hello, Doctor. This month I had a kidney ultrasound examination, and the doctor informed me that there is slight dilation in the left kidney. The right kidney has a cyst approximately 2 centimeters in size. I later underwent an X-ray imaging examination, and the results were norm...

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is a cyst in the kidney, we refer to it as a "renal cyst." Generally, it does not have any significant impact on your health. We will consider the following situations: 1. Whether there is a family history of "autosomal dominant polycystic kidney di...

Managing Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Key Considerations

Dear Director Wu, My father is 70 years old. Two years ago, he experienced sudden hypertension and dizziness. After blood tests, he was found to have hematuria, with a creatinine level of 1.3 and a GFR (CG) of 56, indicating stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD). An abdominal ult...

Dr. Wu Jiyu reply Internal Medicine
1. The left-sided cyst is compressing the kidney; consider referring to urology for "percutaneous renal cyst aspiration and sclerotherapy." If there is a recurrence, consider "laparoscopic cyst decortication" for management. 2. Consider treating with "Nor...