Renal cysts, also known as kidney cysts, occur when fluid-filled sacs form on the kidneys.
You might develop one cyst or multiple ones.
Types
There are different types of renal cysts.
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Cysts associated with PKD can be inherited.
Renal cysts associated with PKD can lead to damage of the kidneys.
Risk Factors
It is unclear what causes renal cysts.
However, theyre most common in older adults.
Risk factors vary depending on the throw in of renal cyst at issue.
First, structures within the kidneys themselves may become blocked and impede the organs ability to collect urine properly.
Second, insufficient blood flow to the kidneys may be associated with the development of renal cysts.
Third, small sacs may form on the kidneys tubules, and eventually, fill with fluid.
Once they fill with fluid, they may detach and turn into cysts.
In PKD, the development of kidney cysts is linked to several genetic variants.
Multiple dominant genes and one rare, recessive one harm the kidney tissue over time.
This allows your healthcare provider to identify the presence of cysts.
In some cases, it may be necessary to inject a contrast dye to perform the test.
Like CT scans, some MRIs may require you to be injected with a contrast dye before the test.
MRI is often used to further define complex benign cysts from malignant cysts.
It can also be ordered prior to surgery to define anatomy.
Treatment
When simple kidney cysts arent causing symptoms, generally, no treatment is required.
If the cyst is large, it may be necessary to surgically remove it.
Approximately 50% of people who have PKD develop chronic kidney disease, and subsequently, kidney failure.
Usually, these people will need dialysis or a kidney transplant at some point in their lives.
Since renal cysts are likely to go undetected.
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