Kidney cysts

Overview

Doctors grade cysts (Bosniak) to decide if they need follow-up.

Simple cysts are round, thin-walled, and full of clear fluid. They don't affect kidney function.

Polycystic kidney disease causes many cysts, high blood pressure, and kidney problems over time.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Kidney cyst found on a scan

Less common

• Side pain (rare)
• Blood in urine (rare)

When to get medical care

Causes

Aging.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Older age

Possible complications

• Polycystic kidney disease

Diagnosis

Imaging.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Ultrasound or CT:

Treatment

Usually nothing needed.

Self-care

• Keep follow-up scans if advised
• Keep blood pressure controlled
• Stay hydrated
• Keep follow-up scans if advised

Drainage for large painful cysts.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• None needed

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a nephrologist (kidney doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• National Kidney Foundation: Help line, peer mentors, and education about kidney health.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Families: Relatives of people with polycystic kidney disease may want screening.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless.

Simple cysts almost never cause problems.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Is this a simple cyst?
• What Bosniak grade is my cyst?
• Do I need a follow-up scan?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Kidney cysts