Should we be worried about kidney cysts? Let's find out for sure!

Did your scan report say 'kidney cyst'? Or did the doctor say that you have a cyst in your kidney after a scan done for another reason? It's normal for us to feel a little scared and anxious when we hear the word "cyst". But if we know exactly what it is, we can eliminate that unnecessary fear. Most of the time, these are nothing to be afraid of. So today, let's talk about all about cysts, or cysts, that form in the kidney.

Simply put, what are kidney cysts?

Okay, first let's look at what these are. Kidney cysts are small, thin-walled sacs filled with a watery fluid that form inside or on the surface of the kidney. Think of them as a blister on the skin, but they form in the kidney.

We all have two kidneys in our bodies, like two filters. The main function of the kidneys is to filter out the waste products and excess water from our blood and excrete them as urine. To do this, there are millions of tiny filtering units inside the kidneys, which we call nephrons in medicine. Sometimes, a channel in these tiny filtering units becomes blocked and fluid accumulates, which causes these cysts to form.

These tumors come in all sizes. Most often, they are no larger than two inches. Some may grow slightly larger over time, while others remain the same size. A person may have one tumor or several. They can also develop in one or both kidneys.

Are there any varieties of these nuts?

Yes, there are mainly two types of these tumors. It is very important that we identify them. Doctors use a special method called the `Bosniak system` to classify them. But I will explain it to you simply.

So should I be afraid of this?

I know this question is on your mind. The simple answer is, probably not . If you have a simple cyst, it's very unlikely to become serious. That's why they're called "simple."

However, if your doctor says it's a complex cyst, you should be concerned because it could be a sign of kidney cancer. In such cases, your doctor will either order regular scans to monitor the cyst for changes, or will remove it surgically.

What symptoms occur when these tumors develop?

Here's the surprising thing. Many people don't have any symptoms! Many don't even know they have a kidney tumor. They are discovered incidentally during an abdominal scan for another condition.

However, some symptoms may only occur if the tumor becomes very large, or if it bursts and bleeds, becomes infected, or presses on other nearby organs. At such times, you may experience the following:

• Pain or tenderness in the side (sacral) between the ribs and hip, in the abdomen, or in the back.
• Fever.
• Needing to urinate frequently.
• Blood in the urine or dark urine.

Depending on the location of the tumor, it can sometimes have a small impact on kidney function. Also, if the tumor prevents the kidney from filtering excess fluid from the blood, it can cause high blood pressure.

Why do kidney stones form?

Researchers haven't really found a definitive cause for this yet. But we do know that this simple flaw isn't hereditary. That is, it's not something that's inherited from your parents.

The main theory is that these cysts form due to a blockage or minor injury to the small filtering channels (tubules) in the kidneys that I mentioned earlier, causing fluid to accumulate.

Who is at higher risk of developing these?

Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for this, we do know that certain factors increase the risk:

• Age: People over the age of 50 are more likely to develop these. In fact, about one in two people over the age of 50 will have at least one kidney tumor.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop these than women.
• Other medical conditions: Kidney tumors can occur with certain medical conditions. For example:
• Polycystic Kidney Disease - This is a hereditary disease.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Von Hippel-Lindau disease
• Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)

What complications can these tumors cause?

As I mentioned before, simple cysts often don't cause any complications . However, in rare cases, some problems can arise.

• Infection: Germs can enter the cyst and cause infection. This can cause symptoms such as fever and pain.
• Burst cyst: If the cyst bursts, it can cause severe pain and bleeding in the urine.
• Blockage of urine: The tumor can become very large and block the flow of urine. This can also damage the kidneys.
• Bleeding into the cyst: Bleeding into the cyst can occur. This can also cause pain.

How does the doctor diagnose this? What are the treatments?

I said that most of the time these are discovered by chance. After seeing such a tumor, the doctor will recommend a few more tests to find out exactly whether it is a simple or a complex one.

• Ultrasound scan: This uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the kidneys. This can give a good idea of ​​the nature of the tumor.
• CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT): This uses X-rays and computer technology to create three-dimensional (3D) images of the kidneys. This can provide a lot of information about the tumor.
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI): This uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce very clear images. This helps to clearly distinguish between the fluid and solid parts of the tumor.
• Kidney function tests: Blood and urine tests can show how well your kidneys are working and whether they have been affected by the tumor.

Treatment methods

However, if a tumor is causing pain, interfering with kidney function, or if the doctor thinks it is at risk of becoming cancerous, it may need to be removed. There are two main methods for this.

1. Aspiration and Sclerotherapy: This involves inserting a very fine needle through the skin, piercing the cyst, and sucking out all the fluid inside with a syringe. Then, sometimes a special solution, such as alcohol, is injected into the emptied sac to stop the cyst from growing back.

2. Surgery: These surgeries are now often performed laparoscopically, or "keyhole surgery." This is done by making a few very small incisions in the abdomen and inserting a camera and delicate instruments. The surgeon drains the fluid from the cyst and cuts or burns out the cyst wall.

What time should I see a doctor?

Once you know you have a kidney tumor, your doctor will tell you whether it needs to be monitored or not. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to see your doctor.

• If you develop new pain in your abdomen, stomach, or lower back.
• If you see blood in your urine.
• If you get a fever for no reason.
• If there is a sudden change in the frequency of urination, such as an increase or decrease.

Symptoms like these could be a sign that the cyst is infected, ruptured, or has another problem. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor without delay.