You may have seen a note on the report that says "Kidney cyst" or "Renal cyst" when you have a scan for another medical condition. It's normal for us to feel a little scared and anxious when we hear the word "tumor." You may think, "Oh my God, is this cancer?" But don't worry. In fact, most of these kidney cysts are not dangerous. So today, let's talk about this clearly, in language that you can understand.
Simply put, what are kidney cysts?
Think of a small ball of fluid. That's what a kidney cyst is. These are usually round, thin-walled sacs filled with fluid. As we age, these cysts can form on the surface of the kidneys or in small structures called nephrons inside the kidneys.
Now you might be wondering what these `(nephrons)` are. The two kidneys in our body are like a super filter system. The main function of the kidneys is to filter and separate the waste and unnecessary water in the body and excrete it as urine. We call the millions of very fine units that perform this filtering function `(nephrons)`.
These kidney stones vary in size. Some are very small, but others can grow as large as two inches. Sometimes they get bigger over time, or they stay the same size. A person can have one stone or several stones. They can also develop in one kidney or in both kidneys.
The important thing is that most of these kidney tumors do not affect kidney function in any way, so there is nothing to worry about.
Are all these fruits the same? Are there varieties?
Yes, there are two main types of kidney tumors. It is very important to identify these two types, because it determines whether treatment is needed or not. Doctors use a special method called ``Bosniak classification`` to classify these. Let's take a simple look at it.
| Cyst Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Simple Cysts | The majority of kidney cysts are of this type. They look like soap bubbles filled with water. They are thin-walled, round, and contain a clear fluid inside. They are not cancerous (benign). Therefore, they usually do not require any treatment or regular check-ups. |
| Complex Cysts | These are different from simple cysts. They may have thicker walls, be irregular in shape, and may contain solid material instead of fluid. Some of these complex cysts have a small risk of becoming cancerous or becoming cancerous . So if your doctor sees a cyst like this, he or she may decide to keep an eye on it or remove it. |
Simply put, if your report says "Simple renal cyst," it's nothing to worry about if it's accurate. But if it says "Complex renal cyst," it's essential to have the necessary tests and follow-up as directed by your doctor.
Do these tumors cause symptoms?
The good news is that most of the time, these simple cysts don't cause any symptoms . In fact, there are millions of people who live without knowing they have a kidney cyst.
However, sometimes this tumor can cause problems if it bursts and starts to bleed, becomes infected, or grows too large and presses on other organs in the abdomen. If this happens, the following symptoms may occur:
- Pain or cramping in the side, abdomen, or back between the ribs and hip.
- Fever.
- Needing to urinate frequently.
- Blood in the urine or dark urine.
Depending on where the tumor is located, it can sometimes affect kidney function. Also, if the tumor prevents the kidneys from filtering excess fluid from the blood, high blood pressure can occur.
Why do these kidney tumors form?
Researchers still don't know exactly what causes this. It's believed that these cysts form when the surface of a tube connected to the kidney's filtering units (nephrons) becomes weak, swollen, and filled with fluid.
The important thing is that these simple cysts are not hereditary . That is, they are not inherited from parents. It is believed that sometimes a minor injury to the kidney or a very subtle blockage in these channels can cause this.
However, kidney cysts can also develop due to certain medical conditions. They are different from normal, simple cysts.
- Polycystic kidney disease - This is a hereditary disease.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
Because these are special situations, your doctor will inform you about them.
How are these tumors identified? What are the treatments?
Most often, a kidney tumor is discovered by chance. It is discovered during a scan done for another reason. If such a tumor is found, your doctor may recommend several more tests to determine whether it is simple or complex.
Identification tests
- Ultrasound Scan: This uses high-frequency sound waves to create a clear image of the kidneys. It is a very safe test that does not involve any pain or radiation.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography Scan): This uses X-rays and computer technology to create three-dimensional (3D) cross-sectional images of the kidneys. This helps to study the nature of the tumor in more detail.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan): A powerful magnetic field and radio waves are used to produce very clear, detailed images. MRI is very important for distinguishing between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass.
- Kidney function tests: Blood and urine samples can be tested to see how well your kidneys are working and whether they have been affected by the tumor.
Treatment methods
In most cases, a simple kidney tumor doesn't need any treatment . Your doctor will just tell you to keep an eye on it. Maybe have a scan every year or two.
However, if a tumor is causing pain, if it is too large to press on another organ, or if it is interfering with kidney function, it may need to be removed. Also, if the tumor is complex and the doctor suspects that it is at risk of becoming cancerous, he or she may decide to remove it.
Two main methods are used as treatment:
1. Aspiration and Sclerotherapy: Here, under the guidance of a scanner, a very thin needle is inserted through the skin into the cyst, and the fluid is completely drained. Sometimes, a special solution, such as alcohol, is injected into the cyst to prevent it from filling with fluid again.
2. Surgery: This is usually done using laparoscopic surgery. This is a surgery that involves inserting a camera and delicate instruments through several small incisions, rather than making a large incision in the abdomen. The doctor drains the fluid from the cyst and cuts or burns away the outer wall of the cyst.
When should you see a doctor?
If you develop any of the following symptoms after you find out you have a kidney tumor, see your doctor immediately. These could be signs of infection, rupture, or other complications.
Don't panic, but it's very important to pay attention to these symptoms.
| Symptom | What to pay attention to |
|---|---|
| Back, side, or stomach pain | A sudden or increasing severe pain. |
| Fever | Fever, chills and shivering for no particular reason. |
| Change in urine | Blood in the urine, dark red/brown urine, or difficulty urinating. |
| Change in urination habits | Urinating more frequently than usual or reducing the amount of urine you pass. |
Take-Home Message
- Kidney cysts are very common, especially among people over the age of 50.
- The vast majority of these are "simple cysts" , which are completely harmless and do not become cancerous.
- Often these tumors do not cause any symptoms. They are discovered during a scan done for another reason.
- If your scan report says "Kidney Cyst", don't panic and talk to your doctor about it. He or she will explain the nature of the cyst and what to do next.
- It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions and have follow-up scans on time.
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