Kidney Cysts

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose simple kidney cysts include:

• Imaging tests
  MRI, CT and ultrasound are commonly used to identify simple kidney cysts. These tests help determine whether a kidney mass is a fluid-filled cyst or a solid tumor.

• Kidney function tests
  A blood sample may be tested to check how well your kidneys are working and to see if the cyst is affecting kidney function.

Treatment

Treatment may not be needed

If a simple kidney cyst causes no symptoms and does not affect kidney function, treatment may not be necessary. Your healthcare provider may suggest periodic imaging tests, such as ultrasound, to monitor any changes in the cyst.
Sometimes a simple kidney cyst may disappear on its own.

Treatments for cysts that cause symptoms

If a simple kidney cyst begins to cause pain, discomfort, or affects kidney function, treatment options may include:

• Piercing and draining the cyst with a solution
  A thin needle may be used to drain the cyst’s fluid. After draining, the cyst is filled with a solution that causes scarring. This helps prevent the cyst from refilling with fluid. Alcohol or a chemical compound may be used for this procedure.

• Surgery to remove the cyst
  Large cysts that cause symptoms may require surgical removal. The surgeon makes a few small incisions and uses special tools along with a tiny video camera to reach the cyst.
  The cyst is drained, and its walls are cut or burned away.
  Surgery is uncommon for simple cysts and is more often done for complex cysts that might have cancer-related changes.