Simple kidney cysts pose no health risk, expert says
Simple kidney cysts are common and generally harmless, according to a leading nephrology consultant at King Abdulaziz University.
Key Takeaways
AIDr. Saad Al-Shohaib, professor and consultant of nephrology at King Abdulaziz University, stated that simple kidney cysts are very common and not a cause for concern.
He noted on his X platform account that these cysts appear in about a quarter of people over the age of 50, and their prevalence increases with age. He explained that they are thin-walled, fluid-filled sacs often discovered incidentally.
Al-Shohaib emphasized that simple kidney cysts do not cause symptoms, do not affect kidney function, do not turn into tumors, and do not require treatment or follow-up.
He clarified that these cysts differ from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which is characterized by numerous cysts in both kidneys, kidney enlargement, a family history of the disease, high blood pressure, and declining kidney function.
Al-Shohaib added that further evaluation is only necessary if a cyst is described as complex, in which case a CT scan or contrast MRI may be needed, or if a solid mass is detected in the kidney, or if blood appears in the urine.