A kidney cyst – or kidney mass – is a pouch of fluid that forms on or in the kidney. In most cases, kidney cysts are noncancerous (benign) and don’t cause serious complications. 

Sometimes, however, a kidney cyst can be associated with a serious, underlying disorder that can impact your kidney’s ability to function. The urologic specialists at the University of Miami Health System have years of experience in diagnosing and treating kidney cysts and masses.

In many cases, you won’t experience any symptoms with a kidney cyst or mass. When they do occur, signs and symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Pain in the back or side
• Pain in the upper abdomen

Treatments

Ongoing Monitoring
In many cases – especially if your kidney cyst or mass is not causing any bothersome symptoms or interfering with your kidney function – your urologist may not recommend any treatment. Instead, you will return to the office for regular checkups and monitoring.

Draining the Cyst
Your urologist may recommend draining the cyst, which involves inserting a long, thin needle through your skin, into your kidney, and into the cyst. After the doctor has drained the fluid from the cyst, they may fill it with an alcohol solution so a new cyst doesn’t reform.

Surgery
If your kidney cyst or mass is quite large or is obstructing your kidney function, your specialist may recommend surgery to remove the cyst.

Tests

Imaging Tests
Your urologist may order imaging tests – such as an ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – to check for a kidney cyst.

Kidney Function Test
A blood test can reveal if your kidneys are functioning well. If your kidneys aren’t working properly, it can cause uric acid or other substances to build up in your blood.

Why Choose UHealth?

Innovative, expert urology care at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. Our team of urology experts delivers advanced care for all urologic conditions. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our experienced urologists design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.

Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. We have some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons for urologic procedures. In fact, doctors come from all over the world to learn at our Urology Robotic Program — the #1 ranked program in South Florida. The University of Miami Health System was the first academic medical center in the world to get the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and has completed more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.

Multidisciplinary approach to care. Your team works closely with doctors in radiology, pathology, medical oncology, and other specialties for prompt, accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. You have a team of experts on your side.