A common, usually benign (noncancerous) lesion on the kidney. Kidney cysts are hollow, round growths that contain a watery fluid. About half of the people over age 50 in the United States have at least one kidney cyst.
A sac filled with fluid that forms within the kidney. Cysts are frequently observed in individuals aged over 50 and can emerge singularly or multiply in either one or both kidneys. In the majority of cases, cysts manifest without any discernible cause, are benign, and typically remain asymptomatic unless their size enlarges sufficiently to exert pressure on surrounding tissues, resulting in lower back pain. However, an extensive presence of kidney cysts could be indicative of polycystic kidney disease, a condition often associated with eventual kidney failure.
Ordinarily, simple cysts do not necessitate treatment. Nonetheless, if the cysts cause discomfort or repeat occurrences, procedures like aspiration (fluid withdrawal) or surgical removal might be undertaken.