What are the Clinical Symptoms of Cysts on Kidneys

Cyst on kidneys is known as renal cyst or kidney cyst on clinic. As its name indicates, it is the general term for renal cystic diseases which are characterized by single or multiple fluid-filled sacs in one or both kidneys.

Classified according to its causes, most cysts on kidney are congenital and hereditary and a few are acquired or unidentified. It can be said to be one of the most common renal diseases and its incidence will increase gradually along with age. Among those that are above their 50s, there are about half having one or several simple cysts on one or both kidneys.

Usually its prognosis is good and most cases do not require treatments or affect normal daily life because in the early stage the cyst is small and its growth rate is slow.

However in some cases, for example the cyst is large in size or it experiences rapid growth and cause obvious symptoms and discomforts; it will need proper and timely treatments.

Here are the typical and common symptoms of cysts on kidneys:

1. Pains and discomforts in back and abdomen. The pain is usually dull and fixed on one or two sides and will radiate towers the back and waist.

2. Hematuria. There can be blood in urine and the urine appears to be reddish. Or it can only be microscopic hematuria which can not be sensed with naked eyes.

3. Abdominal masses. Sometime it can be the reason for patients seeking for consultation and treatments. Large cysts can cause enlargement of kidney volume and there can be palpable masses on abdomen. When the kidney is enlarged than normal size, usually the larger the kidney is, the fewer functions it has.

4. Proteinuria. Usually the amount is small and 24-hour urinary protein is less than 2g, therefore it will not lead to nephrotic syndrome.

5. High blood pressure. Higher than normal blood pressure is called hypertension in clinic. The oppression of cysts to renal tissues will stimulate the kidneys to secrete more renin and cause blood pressure to increase.

6. Urinary tract infection. Kidney cyst patients are more susceptible to urinary tract infection which in turn will worsen cysts; therefore it is recommended that patients should avoid traumatic urinary tract examination if it is not very necessary.

Besides the above mentioned symtoms and signs, cysts of kidneys will cause other complications such as kidney stone, cysts formed in other organs, etc.