The kidneys in the excretory system of the human body are among the most vital organs, alongside the heart and brain. Located on both sides of the spine and just below the rib cage, the two kidneys are bean-shaped organs that quietly support overall health.
Each kidney is about the size of an average human fist. Maintaining kidney health is essential, especially when dealing with conditions like kidney cysts. Early diagnosis and effective kidney cyst treatment can help prevent complications and preserve proper kidney function.
The kidney performs many crucial functions. The functions are the following:
- Filter blood and remove other toxins from our blood. Also flushes out waste products and excess fluids through urine.
- Maintain a balance of essential minerals, such as calcium, sodium, and potassium, and regulate electrolytes in the body.
- Regulate both healthy blood pressure and blood pH levels with fluid balance.
- Manage fluid balance and produce hormones that influence blood vessel constriction.
- Produce a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in bone marrow.
If any problem or disruption harms the kidneys and affects their functioning, it will affect our overall health in a major way. One such problematic condition is Kidney Cysts. Let us learn what kidney cysts are first.
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What is a Kidney Cyst?
Kidney cysts or renal cysts are round pouches or sac-like structures that are filled with fluid. They can form in one or both kidneys and either inside or on the kidneys. They do not have a fixed size, but they vary in distinct sizes; either they are small and barely noticeable or large and problematic. Some kidney cysts are harmless and cause no problems. But some results in complications that require medical attention.
The key to understand the kidney cysts, their causes, their types, the risk factors of kidney cysts, their treatment and effective management, and prevention is essential as it keeps our kidneys healthy and protects our overall health. Therefore, in this blog, let us discuss what kidney cysts are, the different causes, types, and risk factors of kidney cysts or renal cysts to have a thorough and proper understanding of this common yet complex health issue.
Common Causes of Kidney Cysts or Renal Cysts
The causes of kidney cysts, or renal cysts, depend on their type. The doctors do not understand exactly what causes simple kidney cysts. The primary factors that contribute to the development of renal cysts are the following:
Ageing
Age of the human body is one of the most important risk factors leading to the formation of simple kidney cysts. Studies show that they become more common with age and affect approximately 50% of people aged over 50 years or older. Their size also increases with age and might double over another 10 years or so. But kidney cysts can also occur at any age. They are usually harmless.
Obstruction of Tubules
The kidneys contain tiny tubules that are responsible for filtering blood and forming urine. The blockage or obstruction of these tubules results in fluid accumulation and cyst formation. The factors that contribute to this obstruction include the following:
- Kidney stones or mineral deposits block the urine flow.
- Scarring from some infections or injuries.
- Congenital anomalies affecting normal kidney development.
Genetic Predisposition
Inhereditary genetic tendencies give rise to conditions like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). PKD is a genetic disorder that causes the development of multiple cysts in the kidneys. The individuals can inherit it in two main ways:
Autosomal Dominant PKD: The PKD1 or PKD2 gene mutations are the primary cause. These genes produce proteins that regulate the cell growth of the kidney and tubular structures. Mutations in these genes result in uncontrolled cyst formation. Moreover, a parent with this condition passes it to their child with a 50% chance.
Autosomal Recessive PKD: Mutations in the PKHD1 gene impair fibrocystin, a protein essential for proper kidney and liver development. Both parents must carry the gene for this condition to develop further.
Progressive Kidney Damage and Dialysis
Long-term dialysis is one of the major causes of Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease (ACKD). Excess stress from life or pressure on the kidneys from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the cause of this disease. People with these conditions are very prone to kidney cysts. There is no exact cause for this. But there might be some involvement of hormonal changes in the kidney tissue over time. Furthermore, patients with dialysis often develop multiple cysts since their kidneys struggle to filter waste and maintain normal function.
Hormonal Changes and Imbalance
Hormones might influence kidney cyst development. Research shows a potential association between hormonal fluctuations and cyst formation. Although there is a need for more studies to clarify this relationship.
Environment and Lifestyle
Toxins from unhealthy eating habits and junk foods or an inactive lifestyle without any exercise might worsen the risk of developing kidney cysts.
Types of Kidney Cysts or Renal Cysts
The main types of kidney cysts or renal cysts are the following:
Simple Kidney Cysts
They are the most common type of kidney cysts. They are non-cancerous and usually harmless. They do not cause any symptoms. They also do not require any treatment unless they grow large or become infected. Doctors also do not diagnose it unless they conduct imaging tests for any unrelated reasons.
Complex Kidney Cysts
Genetic conditions may result in this complex kidney cyst. They do not have regular shapes. They require immediate medical evaluation. It has a higher risk of harm and complications. The kidneys suffer harm and function badly in this complex health issue.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
A genetic disorder in which numerous cysts grow in the kidneys. They result in kidney enlargement and kidney dysfunction over time. People can inherit PKD in the following two forms:
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD): This disease happens mostly in the 30s or 40s.
Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD): It is a rare but severe condition that arises in infancy or early childhood in children.
Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease (ACKD)
Usually, long-term kidney problems or ongoing kidney dialysis in individuals cause this condition. It is not hereditary, unlike ACKD. But chronic kidney stress and kidney damage are major reasons behind this disorder.
Knowing what causes cysts on the kidneys is important to diagnose and treat them on time.
Who Is At Risk For Kidney Cysts
There are many risk factors that increase the risk of developing cysts on the kidneys in the body of individuals. They include the following:
Age: Simple cysts occur more in older adults, likely because their kidney structure changes with age.
Gender: Simple kidney cysts are more common in men as they affect males more than females.
Family History: A family history of PKD and kidney cysts greatly increases the risk. Therefore, it should prompt regular monitoring.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Individuals with CKD and long-term kidney problems usually develop cysts. Those undergoing dialysis also suffer from this disease.
Increased Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure gives rise to the development of cysts on the kidneys.
Lack of Hydration: Less water intake puts high pressure on the kidneys, which results in cyst formation over time.
Obesity: Overweight affects the kidneys with additional stress and promotes the formation of cysts.
Smoking: Tobacco and smoking cause various kidney issues and cysts. It also affects kidney function.
Recognizing Kidney Cyst Symptoms
The common methods to diagnose kidney cysts include the following:
- Fever and cold chills in case of cyst infection.
- Dull pain in the side or back, and sometimes in the abdomen.
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Pink or red colored blood in the urine indicates Hematuria.
The more severe symptoms of complex kidney cysts or PKD are the following:
- High Blood Pressure due to increased kidney strain that links to large or numerous cysts in PKD.
- Large cysts cause fullness in the abdomen or an enlarged abdomen.
- Energyless and tired most of the time.
- Kidney failure in advanced stages.
- Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).
How to Diagnose Cysts On Kidneys
The common methods that diagnose cysts on the kidneys include the following:
Ultrasound: It is a common imaging test that detects cysts on the kidneys. It is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to detect them.
CT Scan or MRI: A CT Scan provides cross-sectional images in detail that differentiate between simple cysts and complex cysts. MRI can analyze their impact on kidney function. It can also evaluate any abnormal features.
Blood and Urine Tests: These tests assess kidney function. It also detects infection and complications. Blood in the urine also indicates kidney cysts.
Genetic Testing: Doctors recommend it to individuals with a family history of PKD to confirm diagnosis and assess for risk involved.
Complications Arising Due To Kidney Cysts
The potential complications depend on the type and size of the kidney cysts. They are the following:
- An infection in the cyst causes fever and pain.
- A rupture in the cyst leads to severe pain and even internal bleeding.
- Although malignancy is rare, complex cysts may become cancerous.
- The cysts exert pressure on kidney tissues in PKD or complex cysts. It causes progressive damage to the kidneys.
- Urine blockage by large cysts often causes swelling and infections.
Prevention Tips For Kidney Cysts
The doctors cannot treat all types of kidney cysts. However, an individual can change their lifestyle to minimize the risk of kidney cysts. Such prevention tips include the following:
- Follow a balanced diet with minimum sodium and food rich in nutrients.
- Exercise regularly to keep a healthy weight.
- Keep blood pressure in check and avoid stress through meditation.
- Stay away from alcohol and smoking.
- Keep a low-sodium and nutrient-rich diet to promote kidney health.
- Control sugar to minimize kidney problems.
- Visit doctors regularly for a health check.
- Drink more water to avoid kidney stones.
How to Treat Kidney Cysts
It depends on the type and severity of the cyst. Common treatment methods include the following:
- Though simple cysts are benign and harmless, monitor them periodically with imaging tests.
- Medication provides pain relief for kidney cysts.
- High blood pressure worsens kidney damage, especially in PKD patients. Keep it in check.
- The antibiotics fight and treat infections.
- An FDA-approved drug, Tolvaptan, slows cyst growth in ADPKD patients.
In case of large cysts or serious cysts, doctors apply surgical procedures to treat kidney cysts. The surgical methods are the following:
Draining the Cyst: A needle removes fluid from the cysts on the kidneys under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is minimally invasive and offers temporary relief.
Laparoscopic Surgery: For large cysts responding to other treatments, the doctors remove the cyst wall to prevent recurrence.
Kidney Transplant: In severe cases of PKD or ACKD with a severely damaged kidney, doctors have to transplant a kidney.
Advances in Research and Treatment of Kidney Cysts
Recent studies shed light on the following potential new treatments and insights into kidney cysts:
Gene Therapy: CRISPR technology offers the potential to correct genetic mutations in PKD. It may offer hope for managing PKD.
Medications Development: Testing drugs in clinical trials that specifically slow cyst growth.
Non-Invasive or Minimally Invasive Methods: Advanced surgery methods reduce recovery time and improve the results for cyst removal surgeries.
Conclusion
In this blog, we learned what kidney cysts are, what causes cysts on the kidneys, and who is at risk for them. Understanding these aspects allows individuals to seek timely intervention and effective Kidney Cyst Treatment, helping to preserve healthy kidney function. Researchers continue to study kidney cysts and enhance outcomes through advanced medications and treatment options. Along with medical approaches, individuals should also follow the prevention tips mentioned in the blog to support kidney health. By combining proper treatment with preventive care, you can ensure better kidney function and overall well-being.
