Mercy Urology Specialists Treat Renal Cysts in Baltimore

Renal cysts, also called kidney cysts, are found in the kidneys. They are round sacks of fluid and can be contributing factors to kidney performance. Most, however, are just simple kidney cysts that rarely require medical intervention. 

Renal cysts often have no signs or symptoms and don’t require treatment. Often, they are found while testing is being done for other medical conditions. If the cyst is large, however, it may cause:

• Back or side pain
• Upper abdominal pain
• Fever

Once found, a blood test can be performed to check kidney function and an imaging test can be ordered so that our doctors can see the cyst. The tests could include:

• Ultrasound
• CT Scan (3-D imaging)
• MRI

These imaging tools help our doctors determine the size, nature and whether the cyst is harmless or an indication of something more serious.

If the renal cyst isn’t interfering with the function of the kidney and is producing no symptoms, there may be no necessary treatment. Sometimes the cyst will disappear on its own. Often, periodic imaging tests will be required to monitor the cyst. However, if the cyst is producing pain or fever, treatment options might include:

• Draining the cyst
• Removing the cyst (surgery)