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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><merged xmlns:dita-ot="http://dita-ot.sourceforge.net/ns/201007/dita-ot" id="GUID-9b30223c-b393-4388-86da-6d99044b84ec-en" xml:lang="en" xtrf="file:/mnt/crx/author/crx-quickstart/profiles/ditamaps/ditamap6150479370077368805/hecs-ccms/en/HIL/conditions/j-l/kidney-cysts/kidney-cysts.ditamap"> <displayTitle>Kidney cysts</displayTitle> <featureTitle/> <listTitle/> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Overview" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:QvdfGXRpTMEeAt7TNJx28A:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>overview kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-overview">Overview</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p product="mayoclinic.org"> <xref href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-this-site/meet-our-medical-editors" keyref="attrib-mayo-clinic-staff-link" scope="external">By Mayo Clinic Staff</xref> </p> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Kidney cysts are round pouches of fluid that form on or in the kidneys. Often, kidney cysts are a type called simple kidney cysts. Simple kidney cysts aren't cancer and typically cause few problems. Other types of kidney cysts that happen with conditions such as polycystic kidney disease can impair how well the kidneys work. But simple kidney cysts usually don't harm kidney function.</p> <p>It's not clear what causes simple kidney cysts. Often, one cyst occurs on the surface of a kidney. But more than one cyst can appear on one or both kidneys. Simple kidney cysts aren't the same as cysts that form with polycystic kidney disease. Simple cysts also differ from complex cysts. Complex cysts need to be watched for changes that could be cancer.</p> <p>Simple kidney cysts are often found during an imaging test for another condition. Treatment usually isn't needed unless simple cysts cause symptoms.</p> <fig> <title>Kidney cyst</title> <desc> <p>A kidney cyst is a round or oval fluid-filled pouch with a well-defined outline. Kidney cysts typically grow on the surface of a kidney. Some may develop inside the kidney.</p> </desc> <image href="https://assets.mayoclinic.org/content/dam/hecs-ccms/global/images/hil-ccgs/DS01186-IM04667-mcdc7-kidney-cystthu-en.png" placement="inline"> <alt>Kidney cysts</alt> </image> </fig> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Symptoms" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:7pfsxQcWJQsbkJnRASnWLm:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>symptoms kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-symptoms">Symptoms</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Simple kidney cysts typically don't cause symptoms. But if a simple kidney cyst grows large enough, symptoms may include:</p> <ul> <li>Dull pain in the back or side.</li> <li>Fever, if a cyst becomes infected.</li> <li>Upper stomach pain.</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/WhenToSeekCare" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:X1bNnamdnQgfT6y3K6oDHb:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>When to see a doctor kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-when-to-see-doctor">When to see a doctor</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <p>Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you have symptoms of a kidney cyst.</p> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Causes" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:DdqzE38rL7RkjfkWyxZ7XG:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>causes kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-causes">Causes</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>It's not clear what causes simple kidney cysts. One theory suggests that kidney cysts develop when the surface layer of the kidney weakens and forms a pouch. The pouch then fills with fluid, detaches and develops into a cyst.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/RiskFactors" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:JzzuKCY1VVi9tFc3uU2KpW:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>risk factors kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-risk-factors">Risk factors</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>The risk of having simple kidney cysts increases as you get older. But they can occur at any age. Simple kidney cysts are more common in men.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Complications" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:NXp4qeh5E2wZxGx7TgD1Bb:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>complications kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-complications">Complications</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Kidney cysts may sometimes lead to complications, including:</p> <ul> <li> <b>An infected cyst.</b> A kidney cyst may become infected, causing fever and pain.</li> <li> <b>A burst cyst.</b> A kidney cyst that bursts causes severe pain in the back or side. Sometimes a burst cyst may cause blood in the urine.</li> <li> <b>Blocked urine flow.</b> A kidney cyst that blocks the typical flow of urine may lead to kidney swelling.</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Diagnosis" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:WVcRs5HjNDut7DMYNJ53CW:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>diagnosis kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-diagnosis">Diagnosis</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>Tests and procedures used to diagnose simple kidney cysts include:</p> <ul> <li> <b>Imaging tests.</b> MRI, CT and ultrasound are imaging tests that are often used to diagnose simple kidney cysts. Imaging tests can help show whether a kidney mass is a cyst or a tumor.</li> <li> <b>Kidney function tests.</b> Testing a sample of your blood may reveal whether a kidney cyst is affecting how well your kidney works.</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/Treatment" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:4G7VUCDjtnjsmj2YuyXRRN:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>treatment kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-treatment">Treatment</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <title>Treatment may not be needed</title> <p>If a simple kidney cyst causes no symptoms and doesn't affect kidney function, you may not need treatment. Instead, your healthcare professional may recommend that you have imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, over time to see whether your kidney cyst changes.</p> <p>If your kidney cyst changes and causes symptoms, you may choose to have treatment at that time.</p> </section> <section> <title>Treatments for cysts that cause symptoms</title> <p>If a simple kidney cyst is causing symptoms, your healthcare professional may recommend treatment. Options include:</p> <ul> <li> <p> <b>Piercing and draining the cyst, then filling it with a solution.</b> The solution causes scarring and helps prevent the cyst from filling with fluid again. Alcohol or a chemical compound may be used as the solution.</p> <p>To shrink the cyst, a long, thin needle is inserted through your skin and through the wall of the kidney cyst. The fluid is drained from the cyst and a solution is injected into the empty space to prevent the cyst from reforming.</p> </li> <li> <p> <b>Surgery to remove the cyst.</b> A large cyst that's causing symptoms may require surgery. To access the cyst, a surgeon makes several small cuts in your skin and inserts special tools and a small video camera.</p> <p>While watching a video monitor in the operating room, the surgeon guides the tools to the kidney and uses them to drain the fluid from the cyst. Then the walls of the cyst are cut or burned away. Surgery is rarely performed for simple cysts. The procedure is more often used for complex cysts with changes that may be cancer.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Some procedures to treat a kidney cyst may require a brief hospital stay.</p> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsConcept contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/AppointmentPreparation" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:KDQ58TsZstr71HmoSYEbHK:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>preparing for your appointment kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-prep-for-appt">Preparing for your appointment</titleSimple> </titlealts> <conbody> <conbodydiv platform="richtext"> <section> <p>A simple kidney cyst found during an imaging test for another disease or condition may concern you. Talk with your healthcare professional about what having a simple kidney cyst means for your health. Gathering information may put your mind at ease and help you feel more in control of your situation.</p> </section> <section> <title>What you can do</title> <p>Before meeting with your healthcare professional, prepare a list of questions to ask, such as:</p> <ul> <li>How big is the kidney cyst?</li> <li>Is the kidney cyst new or has it been visible on other scans?</li> <li>Is the kidney cyst likely to grow?</li> <li>Can the kidney cyst hurt my kidney?</li> <li>I have these unexplained symptoms. Could they be caused by a kidney cyst?</li> <li>Does the kidney cyst need to be removed?</li> <li>What are my treatment options?</li> <li>What are the potential risks of each treatment option?</li> <li>What symptoms may indicate the kidney cyst is growing?</li> <li>Should I see a specialist?</li> <li>Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?</li> <li>Do you have any printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?</li> <li>Will I need a follow-up visit?</li> </ul> <p>Don't hesitate to ask other questions as they occur to you during your appointment.</p> </section> <section> <title>What to expect from your doctor</title> <p>Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:</p> <ul> <li>Do you have any symptoms?</li> <li>If so, how long have you experienced symptoms?</li> <li>Have your symptoms gotten worse over time?</li> <li>Do you have any blood in your urine?</li> <li>Have you had pain in your back or sides?</li> <li>Have you had a fever or chills?</li> <li>Do you have any other medical conditions?</li> <li>What medications, vitamins or supplements do you take?</li> </ul> </section> </conbodydiv> </conbody> </hecsConcept> <hecsReference contentType="http://ontology.mayo.edu/ContentCategories/References" policy="did:mcid:PDkv3FCzsA4FPiHVvT1zRc;did:mcid:7AmKpSty59qW9PRkXPDxNB" reviewedOn="2022-07-13T05:00:00.000-05:00" workId="did:mcid:Ev7kbwdXb1DkukEBVDXnvS:2026-10-08" xml:lang="en"> <title>references kidney cysts</title> <titlealts> <titleSimple keyref="titleSimple-references">References</titleSimple> </titlealts> <prolog> <footnotes> <fn>Kruskal JB, et al. Simple and complex renal cysts in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 28, 2025.</fn> <fn>Partin AW, et al., eds. Benign renal tumors. In: Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2022.</fn> <fn>Maugeri A, et al. Comparison of aspiration with sclerotherapy and laparoscopic deroofing for the treatment of symptomatic simple renal cysts: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Updates in Surgery. 2021; doi:10.1007/s13304-021-01042-2.</fn> <fn>AskMayoExpert. Renal cysts (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2025.</fn> <fn>Simple kidney cysts. National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/Simple-Kidney-Cysts. Accessed May 28, 2025.</fn> <fn>Kellerman RD, et al. Malignant tumors of the urogenital tract. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 7, 2022.</fn> <fn>Feehally J, et al., eds. Other cystic kidney diseases. In: Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 12, 2022.</fn> </footnotes> </prolog> </hecsReference> <metadata> <hasPoCID>CON-20374119</hasPoCID> <primaryIdentifier>did:mcid:Jcqc5CSZcKszq5KnNs6hDm:1.20</primaryIdentifier> <workId>did:mcid:ALndjpzVC3FRg3kVze8CBV:2026-10-08</workId> <language>en</language> <publicationStatus>Done</publicationStatus> <issuedOn>2010-05-15T00:00:00.000-05:00</issuedOn> <reissuedOn>2026-06-04T00:00:00.000-05:00</reissuedOn> <mapPath>/content/dam/hecs-ccms/en/HIL/conditions/j-l/kidney-cysts/kidney-cysts.ditamap</mapPath> <manifestationID>did:mcid:NbkmcHvd4U4c8VaKz9sMDd:2026-10-09-0103</manifestationID> <seoDescription>These round, fluid-filled pouches on or in the kidneys are sometimes discovered during imaging tests. 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