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Ultrasound Showing Kidney Cyst. Is It Cancer?

Posted on Thu, 24 Oct 2013

Question: I was told that I have a kidney cyst of 1mm size, according to the ultra sound test. What is this disease and what are the symptoms? My doctor says that I should not worry. Is this a cancer?
What causes kidney cyst?

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Aditya Bhabhe (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Benign condition

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thank you for sending in your query.

A renal cyst is a fluid filled cavity in the kidney. The exact reason why it forms is not known. From your description you appear to have a tiny simple renal cyst.

Simple renal cysts are observed frequently in normal kidneys. Their prevalence increases with age. As many as 20% of the individuals above the age of 60 may show a renal cyst.

Majority of the simple renal cysts are asymptomatic. In very rare cases they may rupture and produce abdominal pain or bleeding from urine. Your cyst is 1 mm; it is too small to produce any signs or symptoms.

It is unlikely to be a cancer and you do not need any treatment at present. Your doctor has rightly advised you to not worry about it.

We could repeat an ultrasound in a year or so to see the status of the cyst.

I hope this was helpful.
Feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

Regards
Dr. Aditya Bhabhe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aditya Bhabhe (7 hours later)

Question: I have been taking atorvastatin 20 MG( A version of Lipitor) for cholesterol and Losartan Potassium 100MG (or Avapro) for high blood pressure over the last ten years. Do you think there are causal relationships between these medicines and renal cyst of 1-2mm size?

Should I stop taking these medicines? I was also told to take Welchol 625 MG (Colesevelam Hydrochloide) in response to A1C level of 6.1. Should I discontinue this?

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Aditya Bhabhe (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No indication to stop the medications

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

There is no evidence to link the use of the pills which you have mentioned and the formation of renal cysts. Similarly their use has not been associated with increase in the size of any pre-existing renal cysts.

So I would not recommend discontinuing any of the above medications for the renal cyst.

I hope this was helpful

I would be happy to provide more clarifications for any more questions which you may have.

Regards

Dr Aditya Bhabhe

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aditya Bhabhe (22 hours later)

Dear Doctor,

What are typical treatments for this symptom of renal cysts? My doctor told me that ultra sound shows about a 1cm length of renal cyst. I do not feel any discomfort and my guess is it has been there for some time.

My doctor wants to observe in a few months but particular treatment at this point. I am wondering, if the condition becomes more serious (expansion of cyst, what are some recommended treatments?

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Aditya Bhabhe (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Treatment for renal cysts

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

In majority of the cases no treatment is required apart from annual monitoring for an increase in size of the cyst.

In rare cases the cyst may enlarge and produce symptoms like pain, infection or worsening blood pressure.

Here again the treatment depends on the size of the cyst and the severity of the symptoms. Most of the cases require symptomatic management like using analgesics for pain or antibiotics for infection.

Only in a few cases when the cyst is large (>5cm) AND produces intractable symptoms, a surgical intervention like aspiration of the cyst or sclerotherapy might be needed.

Hope this was helpful

Regards and best wishes
Dr. Aditya Bhabhe

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar