Renal Cyst
A renal cyst is a fluid-filled sac in the kidney, and many are simple and harmless.
When to get help quickly: Prompt review is more important if a kidney cyst is linked to pain, fever, blood in the urine, or features that raise concern for complication or cancer.
Common symptoms
Many renal cysts cause no symptoms, but some people may have side pain, blood in the urine, infection, or pressure effects if the cyst is large or complicated.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps show whether the cyst is simple or complex, whether it has suspicious features, and whether follow-up or further testing is needed.
What radiology does
Ultrasound and CT help determine whether the cyst looks simple, complex, or suspicious enough to need closer follow-up.
What usually happens next
Simple cysts often need no treatment, while complex or symptomatic cysts may need further imaging or specialist review.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.