kidney cyst

[Tallulah]

I had been having abdominal pain, below the ribs, sometimes moving underneath the ribcage on my back.
I was then diagnosed with a cyst one third the size of my kidney and during a hospital visit I was informed that they do not usually remove these types of cyst and that I would have to wait six months for a review. The hospital has given me little information other than this and I would appreciate any further information you could give. I am still in pain (as described above), especially after urination, and would like to know if there is anything that can be done to reduce the symptoms i.e. diet changes, suitable pain medication etc. How big can they grow if it is not removed? How much discomfort/trouble can they cause if not removed and no further action is taken?
Thank you for your time

[mermaid26]

Did you get a copy of your CT or MRI report?  If not, I would get one for yourself.  They should give this to you with no problems.  It is important to know whether the cyst was classified as simple or complex.  The size you stated is concerning and that you are having pain with it as well.  I had an MRI to show probable complex bilateral renal cysts, small at 1cm.  The norm is to monitor these every six months to look for changes to malignancy.  I think you should take matters in your own hands and find a nephrologist or uroligist if your insurance allows you to self refer to a specialist.  I'm not trying to scare you but it is better to be safe and get further evaluation.  My GP didn't want to schedule a 6 month MRI for me, told me I'd have to keep up with it.  When I self reffered to a Uroligist she ordered one for 3 months out.  I'm now going to a Nephrologist on Monday and will know more about this when I discuss my symptoms with him.  Hope you get the answers you need.

[mermaid26]

Forgot to mention there is diet that my Urologist recommended called the DASH diet that reduces the strain on your kidneys.

[VICKISCH]

I had a small cyst on my kidney in 2001 when I had my hysterectomy.They removed fluid from the cyst and said it was clear so no need to do anything.They failed to tell me I needed to keep an eye on it so I did'nt.Make a long story short had to have my kidney removed 4 months ago.The cyst had grown to 16 inches by the time they removed the kidney and had a tumor inside of it.Thankfully there was no cancer.I have a very large scar and recovery is pretty tough but I consider myself lucky they found it when they did.I had no pain to speek of so it was just by chance they found it at all.Make sure you keep track of this and good luck.Any other questions let me know.

vickisch

[teesteele]

Did you have any symptoms at all prior to your surgery?  Did you feel heavy or crowded in your upper abdominal region?  Was there any pain at all?  Frequent urinary / bladder / kidney infections?  Did you feel crampy? I have
those symptoms and look kind of pregnant too, so I was just wondering if you experienced any symptoms.
thanks-- teesteele