What causes renal cysts?

Kidney cyst is a relatively common kidney disease. Many people will suffer from this disease in life. When the disease is found during examination, the patient does not need to be too anxious. In many cases, kidney cysts are benign. If the kidney cyst does not affect the patient's life and physical health, you can go to the hospital for examination on time. In many cases, the growth rate of kidney cysts is very slow.

What causes renal cysts?

(1) The renal cyst gene first changes the metabolism of tubular epithelial cells, and then produces growth factors to promote cell proliferation, which can further form polyps and cause tubular obstruction; fluid retention before obstruction, swelling into cysts, affecting NA-K-ATPase and ion exchange, increasing the amount of fluid in the tubules, and producing abnormal extracellular matrix, changing the basement membrane and tubular wall state, all of which are conducive to cyst growth. The cause of renal cyst formation is closely related to genetic factors.

(2) The cyst is connected to the tubules. There may also be proliferating polyp-like substances at the entrance of the cyst, causing a semi-obstructive state, making it easier for fluid to flow in than out. In addition, the proliferating cyst wall cells can also secrete fluid. Both of these factors contribute to the enlargement of the cyst. Now we have some understanding of the causes of kidney cysts.

(3) Environmental factors: Infection and poisoning can stimulate cyst genes to change the metabolism of tubular cells and even directly cause epithelial cell necrosis. The shedding of necrotic cells can also cause obstruction, and regeneration after necrosis can also promote cell proliferation. The formation of renal cysts is closely related to environmental factors.

Types of renal cysts

Simple renal cyst

It may be a congenital abnormality, with one or both kidneys having one or more round cystic cavities of varying sizes that are not connected to the outside world. Most of them are unilateral, so it is called simple renal cyst. The incidence rate may increase with age. 50% of people over 50 years old can be found in this cyst by B-ultrasound. It can be diagnosed with the help of B-ultrasound and CT.

Adult renal cyst

It is a congenital hereditary disease. The renal parenchyma is filled with countless round cysts of varying sizes that are not connected to the outside world. The cysts contain fluid. The small ones are invisible to the naked eye, and the large ones can be several centimeters. Therefore, it is called polycystic kidney. Symptoms include increased nocturia, low back pain, high blood pressure, etc. Urinalysis may reveal hematuria and a small amount of proteinuria, which often slowly develops into chronic renal failure. 10% of people have kidney stones and 30% have polycystic liver disease. An experienced doctor can confirm the diagnosis with the help of B-ultrasound and intravenous pyelography.

Acquired renal cyst

It mainly occurs after uremia or dialysis treatment. It has nothing to do with age, but is related to the duration of hemodialysis. The kidneys originally do not have renal cysts. According to literature reports, most patients who have been on dialysis for more than 3 years will develop cysts. There are at least 4 cysts in one of its kidneys, most of which are 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. Some cysts can become infected or even cancerous, and the diagnosis can be confirmed by B-ultrasound or CT examination.