Common Symptoms of Renal Cysts
Renal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. Their main job is to filter waste and extra fluid from the blood to make urine.
Renal cysts are usually benign (non-cancerous) and do not cause major health problems. Many people have them and don’t even know it, especially if the cysts are small. These are called simple renal cysts, and they are quite common, especially in older adults. However, some cysts can grow large, become infected, or cause pressure in the kidney. In such cases, symptoms may appear.
Let’s look at the common symptoms of renal cysts in simple terms.
1. Pain in the Side or Back
One of the most common symptoms is dull pain or discomfort in the side, back, or upper abdomen. This pain usually happens on the side where the cyst is located. It may come and go, or it may stay for a long time. The pain can become worse if the cyst gets larger or if it bleeds or becomes infected.
Sometimes people think this pain is just muscle strain or back pain, but if it continues, it's important to get it checked.
2. Pain or Pressure in the Abdomen
Larger cysts can cause a feeling of pressure or fullness in the belly. This happens because the growing cyst takes up space and presses on nearby organs. You might feel bloated or uncomfortable even without eating much.
3. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
Some people with renal cysts may notice blood in their urine. The urine may look pink, red, or dark brown, like tea or cola. This can happen if the cyst bursts (ruptures) or bleeds. Even a small amount of blood can change the color of urine.
This symptom should never be ignored, as it could also be a sign of other kidney or urinary problems.
4. Frequent Urination or Urgency
Renal cysts can press on the bladder or nearby areas, causing frequent urination or a sudden, strong need to urinate. This happens more often if the cyst is large or located near the urinary tract.
Some people may also feel they can’t empty their bladder fully or may have trouble starting to urinate.
5. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
If a cyst becomes infected, it can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are more common in women but can affect anyone. Symptoms of a UTI include:
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Frequent urination
- Fever or chills
- Pain in the lower back or abdomen
If a UTI is caused by an infected renal cyst, it might require antibiotics or further treatment.
6. High Blood Pressure
In some cases, renal cysts can affect kidney function, which may lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). The kidneys help control blood pressure by balancing fluid and salt in the body. If a cyst puts pressure on the kidney or affects blood flow, it can disrupt this balance.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so regular check-ups are important, especially if you know you have kidney cysts.
7. Feeling of a Lump or Mass
In rare cases, if the cyst is very large, you might be able to feel a lump or swelling in your side or belly. This is uncommon and usually happens only when the cyst grows to a considerable size.
8. Fatigue or Weakness
Although not specific to renal cysts alone, feeling tired or weak can be a symptom if the cysts start to affect kidney function or cause infections. If the body is fighting an infection or dealing with high blood pressure or blood loss (from a bleeding cyst), it can leave you feeling run down.
When to See a Doctor
Many renal cysts don’t cause symptoms and are found during imaging tests (like an ultrasound or CT scan) done for another reason. But you should see a doctor if you experience:
- Ongoing pain in the side or back
- Blood in your urine
- Painful urination or frequent UTIs
- Fever or chills
- Swelling or a mass in your belly
- High blood pressure with no known cause
The doctor may recommend tests such as a urine test, blood test, ultrasound, or CT scan to check your kidneys and cysts.
Renal cysts are common and often harmless, but they can cause symptoms when they grow large, bleed, or become infected. Common symptoms include pain, urinary problems, blood in the urine, and sometimes high blood pressure.
Most simple renal cysts don’t need treatment unless they cause problems. If treatment is needed, options include draining the cyst or, in rare cases, surgery. Regular monitoring and a healthy lifestyle can help manage the condition and prevent complications.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, don’t ignore them—get checked by a healthcare professional to stay safe and healthy.