Kidney Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

A kidney cyst is a well-defined round or oval fluid-filled pouch. Normally, kidney cysts develop on the outside of the kidney. Some might grow within the kidney. Cysts in the kidneys are fluid-filled sacs that can develop.They are usually benign and rarely cause any harm or discomfort. In some cases, however, kidney cysts can become large enough to cause health problems.

Simple and complicated kidney cysts are the two primary forms.

• Simple Cysts: These are non-cancerous cysts that can develop when the small tubules of the kidney become clogged. They are usually filled with clear fluid and have a thin wall surrounding them. Simple cysts do not typically cause any symptoms and often go undetected unless they are large enough to be seen on an imaging test like a CT scan or MRI.
• Complex Cysts: These cysts have thicker walls and may contain solid material in addition to fluid inside them. They can be caused by acquired conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, or they may be present at birth due to genetic mutations. Complex cysts can cause pain, infection, and other complications if left untreated, so it’s important to get regular checkups with your doctor if you’re at risk for developing them.

Kidney cysts are typically caused by:

• A genetic disorder called polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
• Other causes of kidney cysts include
• Congenital anomalies
• Acquired cystic kidney disease
• Certain infections

The most common symptom of kidney cysts is pain in the side or lower back.

• Other symptoms may include
• Fever
• Chills
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

If left untreated, kidney cysts can potentially result in a decline in renal function and kidney failure.

Kidney cysts can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Keeping a balanced diet, routine exercise consuming a lot of water and abstaining from smoke and alcohol in excess.
• It is also important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor for any changes in your kidney health.

When a kidney cyst is suspected, a doctor may order several tests to diagnose and evaluate the cyst. These tests can include:

• Ultrasound: The kidneys may be seen in ultrasound pictures, which are made using high-frequency sound waves. This examination can aid in the diagnosis and sizing of any kidney cysts that may be present.
• CT scan: A CT scan is a form of X-ray imaging that produces precise cross-sectional pictures of organs, including the kidneys, by combining many images obtained at various angles. It can assist in identifying any alterations or anomalies in a kidney cyst's size or form.
• MRI scan: An MRI scan uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs like the kidneys, including any changes due to a kidney cyst. This test can also be used to better understand how advanced any associated conditions may be and identify potential complications from a kidney cyst.
• Biopsy: In rare cases where there is suspicion that a kidney cyst is cancerous, a doctor may order a biopsy for further evaluation. During this procedure, doctors will take small samples

Kidney cysts can cause a variety of complications, such as :

• Increased risk of kidney infections, urinary blockage, and high blood pressure
• In rare cases, cysts can also burst and cause internal bleeding.
• Over time, large cysts may cause kidney damage or failure.
• Additionally, if a cyst becomes infected it can lead to sepsis

• Ushira (Vetiver): Ushira is known to help reduce the size of cysts in the kidneys, and it is commonly used as an Ayurvedic remedy for kidney cysts.
• Punarnava: Punarnava is another popular Ayurvedic remedy for treating kidney cysts. This herb has diuretic properties that help reduce the size of the cyst and improve overall kidney health. To use punarnava as a remedy, boil 1 teaspoon of its powder in a cup of water until it reduces to half its original quantity, then strain it and drink it twice daily.
• Gokshura: Gokshura has been used traditionally in Ayurveda to treat urinary tract infections, inflammation of the kidneys, and other kidney-related issues such as cysts.
• Pippali: Pippali is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling caused by the formation of cysts in the kidneys or other organs like liver or spleen .

• Eat a balanced diet that is low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
• Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.

• It is best to avoid foods that are high in salt, sugar, and fat when dealing with kidney cysts.
• Processed meats, fried meals, fast food, and drinks should all be avoided.
• Other food items include sugary beverages, red meat, cheese, and fatty cuts of meat.

• Medication: Medications such as diuretics and alpha-blockers can be used to reduce the amount of fluid in the cyst and reduce its size. These medications work by increasing urine production and reducing pressure within the kidney so that fluid is released from the cyst into the urine. In some cases, antibiotics may also be prescribed if there’s a risk of infection within the cyst.
• Cyst decortication: This procedure involves removing the outer layer of the cyst, which can help to reduce symptoms and prevent the cyst from growing larger.
• Cyst fenestration: This procedure involves creating one or more openings in the cyst wall to allow fluid to drain out.
• Cyst aspiration: The fluid inside the cyst will be drained using a needle during this treatment.
• Cyst resection: This procedure involves removing the entire cyst, along with a small margin of surrounding tissue.
• Nephrectomy: The entire kidney is taken out during this treatment. If the cyst is really big or if the kidney is having other issues, it can be essential.

• Kidney cysts can be treated by a nephrologist, which is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of the kidneys.
• Based on the laboratory test results, they may recommend medication, lifestyle changes or surgery to remove or shrink the cyst.

The best medicines for kidney cysts depend on the type of cyst and the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:

• Diuretics: These medications help reduce fluid accumulation in the kidneys, which can help reduce cyst size. Example Bumetanide (Bumex) Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) Furosemide (Lasix) Torsemide (Soaanz)
• ACE inhibitors: These drugs may help slow cyst growth by blocking certain hormones that cause kidney damage. Example include - Benazepril (Lotensin) , Captopril, Enalapril (Vasotec)
• Alpha blockers: These medications may help improve urine flow and reduce pressure on the kidneys. Doxazosin (Cardura) Prazosin (Minipress) Terazosin are some example
• Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate discomfort caused by large or painful cysts.
• Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics may be used to treat infections that can lead to cysts. Example include penicillin.

• Recovery from kidney cysts depends on the severity and type of cyst.
• Minor simple cysts may not require treatment and can be monitored over time, with recovery typically taking weeks to months.
• Complex cysts, or those that cause symptoms, may require surgery to remove the cyst.
• Recovery time for this type of procedure can range from several weeks to months.

• The results of kidney cyst treatment vary, depending on the type of cyst and the specific treatment used.
• In some cases, the treatment can be permanent, but in other cases additional treatments may be required or recommended to prevent recurrence of the cysts.

Post-surgical treatments for kidney cysts depend on the type and severity of the disease. Some of them are :

• Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics are prescribed to treat any infection that may develop due to the surgery or from other underlying conditions.
• Drainage: If there is fluid buildup in or around the kidney, a catheter may be used to drain it away and reduce pain and swelling.
• Pain management: Pain medications may be prescribed depending on your individual needs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or narcotic pain medications like codeine or oxycodone.
• Dialysi: In cases where there is severe damage to one of both kidneys, dialysis may be necessary in order to help remove waste products from the blood and maintain adequate levels of blood pressure and electrolytes in your body.
• Follow-up visits: It is important to follow up with your doctor regularly after surgery so that he/she can monitor any changes that occur in your condition and make adjustments if necessary.

• Generally, simple laparoscopic procedures for draining cysts typically cost around ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.
• Surgery to remove larger cysts can range from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh or more. Additional costs such as hospitalisation charges and medications may also be incurred.

• Monitoring kidney cysts involves keeping up with regular checkups, monitoring changes in the size of any existing cysts, and keeping track of any new cysts that may develop.
• Regular imaging scans such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs should be conducted to determine the size and number of any existing cysts.
• Changes in the size or number of existing cysts should be reported to a doctor for further evaluation. If new cysts are discovered during an imaging scan, they should also be reported to a doctor for further evaluation.

• Generally speaking, some common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dizziness, and fatigue.
• In more serious cases, treatments may cause infection or bleeding in the kidneys.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to Kidney Cyst then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like ' UTI, High blood pressure 'in which treatment courses can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.