Kidney Conditions
The kidneys provide a variety of functions for the body, most importantly filtering blood. Through this filtering process, kidneys remove waste from blood and create urine. Kidneys also control electrolyte concentrations and fluid balance.
Most kidney conditions affect the nephrons, which are what filters blood. Damage to the nephrons, which are within the kidneys, can lessen their ability to eliminate waste.
Causes of Kidney Pain
Kidney pain, also known as renal or flank pain, is located along the back muscles, anywhere in-between the lowest rib and the buttock. It can radiate down to the groin or to the abdominal area. Kidney pain can be the result of kidney problems or issues relating to renal structures. Renal structures can be the ureters (what the kidneys are connected to) or the bladder. Other symptoms related to kidney pain are nausea, vomiting, fever, painful urination, or blood in the urine.
Types of Kidney Cysts & Diseases
A simple kidney cyst can be a closed pocket filled with fluid, or a smooth collection of tissue which form inside of the kidneys. This type of cyst on or in the kidney is the most common among all kidney cysts. Women with simple kidney cysts generally do not experience symptoms, but sometimes they can cause bleeding, infection, and pain in the back, side, or upper abdomen. The cysts are found during a CT scan or an ultrasound. There have been findings in the field of urology that link kidney cysts with high blood pressure.
Simple kidney cysts usually do not require treatment. When someone experiences symptoms relating to the cyst, the urologist may perform a procedure to reduce its size and decrease the possibility of it returning. The procedure is called sclerosis, which involves puncturing the skin, draining the cyst, and filling it with an alcohol solution to harden the tissue. If the cyst reoccurs, the urologist can perform another procedure, which would require a large incision. A laparoscope and other tools are used to drain the cyst. The cyst’s outer wall will either be removed or burned to prevent cysts from reforming.
There are two types of kidney cysts diseases, which are often genetic or associated with another kidney condition:
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) – This is a genetic disease where large cysts take the place of kidney tissue. Cysts can also form in other parts of the body such as the liver. Signs of PKD include headaches, urinary tract infections, back pain or pain in the lower sides, and blood in the urine. The cysts enlarge both kidneys, which diminishes their function and can lead to kidney failure. The treatment for kidney failure caused by PKD is either dialysis or kidney transplantation. PKD cases that do not lead to kidney failure can be treated through medication. About 50 percent of PKD cases result in kidney failure.
- Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) – This disease is often occurs in people on dialysis. With ACKD, kidneys are normal sized and do not experience swelling. ACKD is different than PKD because cysts only form in the kidneys and do not spread. ACKD is diagnosed in people who have already been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. There are no symptoms related to ACKD. The cysts are not dangerous and do not require treatment.
Kidney Cancer
For more information on kidney cancer, click here.
Kidney Condition Treatments at AUUA
The doctors at AUUA specialize in a diverse range of urologic conditions including ones involving the kidneys. It’s important for women to see a urologist who understands women’s urology. The urologists at AUUA have the knowledge and experience to treat every kidney-related condition. Call us today to schedule your appointment with our dedicated team of urologists.
