Diagnostic Radiology Specialist Dr. Aresh Soudmand at Batıgöz Balçova Surgical Medical Center explained the risk factors associated with kidney cysts. Dr. Aresh Soudmand conveyed that depending on the type of kidney cyst, they can develop without any symptoms, stating, “Although they can be observed in everyone, kidney cysts should not be overlooked, as they may require monitoring under medical supervision.”

SHOULD BE MONITORED UNDER DOCTOR’S SUPERVISION

Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the outer layer of the kidney. They often appear as simple cysts. Although very rare, there is a possibility of them turning cancerous. The exact cause of kidney cysts is not fully known. It is believed that a sac is formed as a result of thinning of the surface layer of the kidney. There is nothing in a person’s life that can cause kidney cysts. No lifestyle behavior, environmental exposure, or diet has been associated with kidney cysts. Simple cysts are lesions that can be seen in both adults and children. They usually occur as a single cyst in one kidney, but in some cases, such as polycystic kidney disease, multiple lesions can be seen in both kidneys.

OCCURRENCE IS HIGHER AFTER THE AGE OF 50

Simple kidney cysts are different from the cysts seen in polycystic kidney disease. Most of the time, they do not cause any complaints or symptoms in the patient. Simple cysts, which are more commonly seen in advanced ages, can be detected through ultrasound and radiological evaluations. Patients can also accidentally become aware of the presence of their cysts after computerized tomography or MRI. Since they generally do not turn into cancer and are filled with fluid, these cysts are known as “simple kidney cysts.” While a small number of benign cysts are a commonly encountered condition in the population, cysts that are present in both kidneys and are encountered in large numbers can have consequences up to kidney failure. The incidence of kidney cysts increases with age. These lesions are seen in 50% of men and women over the age of 50.

MORE COMMON IN MEN

Although the exact reasons for their occurrence are not fully understood, there are certain risk factors that contribute to a higher prevalence of kidney cysts. Kidney cysts, known to be more common with advancing age, are also more frequently observed in patients with hypertension, kidney function impairment, and kidney stone disease compared to the general population. When considering gender-related risk factors, the incidence of kidney cysts is higher in men than in women.

There are two types of kidney cysts:

Simple kidney cysts: Simple kidney cysts are the most common lesions found in the human kidney. Their occurrence rates increase progressively with age. They usually do not cause any symptoms and do not significantly harm the kidney. However, treatment may be necessary for large-sized lesions. They are typically seen in one kidney, although multiple cysts can occasionally be present in both kidneys. The diagnosis of simple cysts is usually incidental during radiological examinations. Ultrasonography is the preferred method for detecting cysts.

Polycystic kidney disease: It is a genetically inherited condition. It is a disease characterized by multiple cysts in both kidneys and can also cause cysts in other organs such as the liver and pancreas.

Kidney cysts do not cause any symptoms when they are small in size, but they can lead to certain complaints as they grow. These include:

Palpable mass in the abdomen Pain in the side and back Kidney pain (usually due to pressure and bleeding) High blood pressure Blood in the urine Fever Frequent urination Darkening of urine

CANCER CAN BE DETECTED EARLY THROUGH RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS

The treatment method for kidney cysts is determined based on factors such as the number and size of cysts and the symptoms they cause in the patient. Treatment options may include draining the cyst with a needle, injecting a substance to adhere the cyst wall under ultrasound guidance, and surgical removal of the cyst from the body. The healthcare professional who is overseeing your follow-up care is the one who should decide which treatment method is suitable for you. Kidney cysts are not always harmful. However, if suspicious findings suggesting the risk of cancer are present in radiological examinations, the possibility of cancer should be investigated. Routine monitoring and radiological examinations are of great importance in initiating early treatment in case of potential cancer.

Source: (BYZHA) Beyaz Haber Ajansı