The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Kidney Cyst Diseases

A broad spectrum of diseases from simple cysts to polycystic kidney, caused by fluid-filled sacs in the kidney.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Kidney Cyst Diseases?

Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the kidney parenchyma or collecting system. The most common form is the simple renal cyst; these are usually detected incidentally and have no clinical importance. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disease; it is characterized by multiple bilateral cysts and leads to chronic kidney failure.

The Bosniak classification categorizes kidney cysts by imaging features according to malignancy risk (I-IV). Simple cysts (Bosniak I-II) do not require follow-up. Complex cysts (Bosniak IIF-IV) may require imaging follow-up or surgery due to increased malignancy risk.

In ADPKD, PKD1 and PKD2 gene mutations are responsible; ultrasound screening is performed in individuals with a family history. Hypertension, kidney pain, and impaired kidney function are the most common presenting complaints.

Symptoms

Most simple cysts are asymptomatic (detected incidentally)
Flank or back pain (in large cysts or ADPKD)
Hematuria (intracystic bleeding or infection)
Hypertension (an early finding of ADPKD)
Abdominal swelling and palpable masses (advanced ADPKD)
Urinary tract infection or fever (infected cyst)

Risk Factors

Family history for ADPKD (autosomal dominant)
Carrying a PKD1 or PKD2 mutation
Advanced age (acquired kidney cysts increase with age)
Chronic kidney failure (risk of acquired cystic disease)
Genetic conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When flank pain and hematuria occur together
  • For screening if there is an ADPKD diagnosis in the family
  • If a complex cyst (Bosniak IIF or higher) is detected on imaging
  • If kidney function is declining in a patient diagnosed with ADPKD

Treatment Methods

01
In simple cysts: annual ultrasound follow-up is sufficient; no treatment required
02
Hypertension control in ADPKD: RAAS blockers (ACE inhibitor or ARB) are preferred
03
Tolvaptan: slows cyst growth in ADPKD cases with rapid progression risk
04
Treatment of infected cysts: fluoroquinolone antibiotics (penetrate cyst wall)
05
In symptomatic large cysts: percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy
06
Renal replacement therapy planning for those progressing to kidney failure

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.