HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Does CT Scan Of Kidney Showing Multiple Cysts On Kidneys Indicate?

default
Posted on Thu, 29 May 2014
Question: Hello, how does a doctor know the difference when a person has multiple cysts in both kidneys whether it is just simple cysts in your kidneys or from polycystic kidney disease?
They had a CT and found multiple Cysts on my kidneys.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
based on symptoms, cyst appearance, family history

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are different types of cystic diseases of the kidney but they can be broadly classified as: (1)developmental - congenital incorrect formation

(2)genetic or inherited- this includes polycystic kidney disease as well as other kidney diseases but polycystic kidneys is one of the more common inherited diseases

(3)cysts that occur with systemic diseases (disease that affects a number of different organs) such as tuberous sclerois and von hippel XXXXXXX

(4)acquired- simple cysts as well as a few others

(5)malignancy- cysts related to cancer

Though some persons with polycystic kidney disease have no symptoms many would present with pain in the flank, blood in the urine and increased blood pressure.

Simple cysts are usually present singly ,in one of the kidneys though as a person ages they may occur in both kidneys. When the radiographer looks at them they have a distinct and sharply defined outline.

The radiographer tend to use a classification called the bosniak classification to determine if the cyst is simple or complex.

To determine whether your multiple cysts are polycystic especially if you have no symptoms , your doctors may consider the genetic testing that would be check for this disorder. Diagnosis is also based on whether there is a family history of polycystic kidney disease and the presence of symptoms.

Summary: polycystic kidney disease is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms, appearance of the cysts on imaging and genetic testing if there is no obvious family history

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Does CT Scan Of Kidney Showing Multiple Cysts On Kidneys Indicate?

Brief Answer: based on symptoms, cyst appearance, family history Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic There are different types of cystic diseases of the kidney but they can be broadly classified as: (1)developmental - congenital incorrect formation (2)genetic or inherited- this includes polycystic kidney disease as well as other kidney diseases but polycystic kidneys is one of the more common inherited diseases (3)cysts that occur with systemic diseases (disease that affects a number of different organs) such as tuberous sclerois and von hippel XXXXXXX (4)acquired- simple cysts as well as a few others (5)malignancy- cysts related to cancer Though some persons with polycystic kidney disease have no symptoms many would present with pain in the flank, blood in the urine and increased blood pressure. Simple cysts are usually present singly ,in one of the kidneys though as a person ages they may occur in both kidneys. When the radiographer looks at them they have a distinct and sharply defined outline. The radiographer tend to use a classification called the bosniak classification to determine if the cyst is simple or complex. To determine whether your multiple cysts are polycystic especially if you have no symptoms , your doctors may consider the genetic testing that would be check for this disorder. Diagnosis is also based on whether there is a family history of polycystic kidney disease and the presence of symptoms. Summary: polycystic kidney disease is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms, appearance of the cysts on imaging and genetic testing if there is no obvious family history I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions