Cystic Disease Of The Kidneys

Houston Kidney Specialists Center - - Nephrology

Nephrology & Internal Medicine located in Cypress and North Houston Area, TX

Nephrology & Internal Medicine & Nephrology located in Willowbrook Office, Houston, TX & Memorial Hermann Cypress, Cypress, TX

Cysts are abnormal blisters filled with fluid or other substances that develop anywhere on your body, including your kidneys. Cystic disease of the kidneys includes a group of conditions that cause cysts on the kidneys. These cysts may affect normal kidney function and lead to kidney failure. The skilled team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center, with four convenient locations in Houston and Cypress, Texas, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cystic disease of the kidneys. To learn more, contact the office nearest you by phone or schedule a consultation online today.

Cystic Disease of the Kidneys Q & A

What is cystic disease of the kidneys?

Cystic disease of the kidneys is a general medical term that includes various conditions known to cause cysts.

It’s not unusual for older adults to develop a few cysts on their kidneys. However, a few cysts aren’t the same as a cystic disease of the kidneys.

With cystic disease of the kidneys, you have multiple cysts that interfere with normal kidney function and increase your risk of kidney failure. Cystic disease of the kidneys may be an inherited disorder, or it may develop from chronic kidney disease (CKD).

What are the types of cystic disease of the kidneys?

There are four main types of cystic disease of the kidneys. These include:

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

PKD is an inherited cystic disease of the kidneys. With PKD, defective genes cause cysts to grow on both of your kidneys.

Over time, PKD may lead to other health complications such as high blood pressure, kidney failure, and chronic pain.

Medullary cystic kidney disease (MCKD)

MCKD is also an inherited cystic disease of the kidneys. With MCKD, cysts develop in the inner part of your kidney, or the medulla. This condition creates scar tissue on the kidney that often leads to kidney failure.

Medullary sponge kidney

With medullary sponge kidneys, cysts develop in the ducts and tubules in one or both of your kidneys. This type of cystic disease of the kidneys may be genetic and appears at birth, but rarely leads to kidney failure.

Acquired cystic kidney disease

Acquired cystic kidney disease occurs during childhood or adulthood. It most often develops in people with CKD or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

How is cystic disease of the kidneys diagnosed?

The experienced team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center conducts comprehensive exams to diagnose cystic disease of the kidneys.

During your exam, your provider:

Performs a physical exam
Runs urine and blood tests
Conducts diagnostic imaging (ultrasound, MRI, CT scan)

The team may also request genetic testing if an inherited cystic disease of the kidneys runs in your family.

How is cystic disease of the kidneys treated?

Treatment for cystic disease of the kidneys focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of complications.

The team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center develops individualized treatment plans based on the type of cystic disease of the kidneys you have, the severity of your condition, and if you have any related complications.

Your treatment plan may include:

Diet modification
Lifestyle changes
Medications to manage symptoms (blood pressure medication, diuretics)

If you have kidney failure, the team may recommend hemodialysis or a kidney transplant.

To schedule a consultation with the nephrology experts at Houston Kidney Specialists Center to learn more about cystic disease of the kidneys, call the office or book an appointment online today.