A kidney cyst is a sac that has filled with fluid and has formed in your kidney, these sacs are called cysts. In most cases kidney cysts are not cancerous. Some people go through their entire lives without every experiencing any problems or even knowing that the cysts are there.

Signs and symptoms of kidney cysts may include:

• High blood pressure

• Back , side, or abdominal pain

• Swelling in your abdomen

• Blood in your urine

• Kidney stones, failure, and infections

• Headaches

Your doctor will do one of four tests to confirm that you have a kidney cyst, genetic testing, an ultrasound or CT scan or an MRI.

Treatment

Your doctor will want to know what kind of symptoms you are experiencing before a treatment plan can be implemented. If you aren't having any symptoms, your doctor will watch the cyst and recheck it in 6 to 12 months.

If the cyst is large or contains calcifications or dense tissue, your doctor will schedule you for frequent CT scans to watch for changes. You may never need to have surgery to have the cyst removed, because kidney cysts are harmful and won't bother you. But if your cysts continue or your symptoms become severe you will need to see an urologist. Symptoms are more likely to be treated rather than the cyst themselves.

• Medication for high blood pressure

• Pain medicine to control chronic pain

• If the cyst causes an obstruction you may need to have surgery to drain the cyst

• Antibiotics for kidney or bladder infections

In most cases, if you are pregnant, a kidney cyst won't affect your pregnancy. But if you are experiencing high blood or had high blood pressure before you got pregnant, then you are at risk of developing a life-threatening disorder called preeclampsia. You should be sure to tell your doctor all of the signs and symptoms that you may be experiencing.

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