In the kidneys, as in any other organ, the formation of various cysts is possible. Of these, only about 4% of diagnosed cases are congenital pathologies, the rest are formed in the process of growing up. One of the varieties of such neoplasms is the subcapsular cyst of the kidney. Hearing this diagnosis, many patients begin to panic and despair, but it is worth looking into whether it is as dangerous as it is presented.
What is a subcapsular kidney cyst?
The photo shows a subcapsular cyst of the kidney, which is presented in a schematic image. The neoplasm may consist of one or two chambers. Often, its size does not exceed more than 2 cm, but in rare exceptions, the cyst grows up to 10 cm.
The surface layer of the kidney is a fibrous tissue that has the ability to stretch. It creates a certain protective capsule, in which the organ itself is located. Under the influence of provoking factors between extern althe shell and parenchyma of the kidney form a neoplasm, which is subsequently filled with fluid and is called a subcapsular cyst. Its shape may resemble a sphere or an ellipse. If the cause of the growth was an injury, then the internal fluid will contain impurities of pus and blood.
The danger of the disease is that at the initial stage it is completely asymptomatic, since small subcapsular cysts of the kidney do not affect the blood vessels, pelvis, and do not interfere with the formation and excretion of urine. With a combination of provoking factors, there is a possibility of the transformation of a benign cyst into a malignant one. Therefore, this disease belongs to the category of potentially dangerous pathologies for human he alth.
Symptoms of the pathological process
It is not always possible to detect the formation of a subcapsular cyst of the left kidney, as well as the right one. Often this process is completely asymptomatic.
But in some cases, the following symptoms may be present:
- aching dull pain that appears as a result of squeezing the kidney by adjacent tissues against the background of an increase in its size during the formation of a cyst;
- a feeling of heaviness in the right or left side, depending on the localization of the cyst, which is associated with the weight of the organ due to the large volume of fluid in the neoplasm;
- increased blood pressure, as the formation of a cyst releases an enzyme - rinin;
- frequent pathologies of the urinary system of infectious properties;
- urine outflow failure;
- seal in the abdominalcavity;
- increase in the size of the kidney, which can be detected by palpation;
- there are blood impurities in the urine against the background of increased intrarenal pressure.
If at least one of the above symptoms appears, you should consult a doctor and undergo a full examination. This will help to refute suspicions or identify the pathological process before complications appear, which will make it possible to influence the growth of the cyst without surgery.
Reasons for education
The main reason for the formation of a subcapsular cyst of the kidney is the excessive growth of the epithelium inside the canal. This can be caused by a metabolic imbalance in the body. As a result, the exfoliated cells of the inner layer clog the canal and prevent the natural outflow of urine. As a result, it increases, ceases to participate in the work of the kidney, a cyst is formed.
Other causes of subcapsular kidney cyst:
- necrosis of a separate part of the organ, while the resulting cyst often resolves on its own;
- congenital anomalies as a result of impaired development of the fetus in the womb;
- injuries;
- complication of diseases (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis).
Any change in the structure of an organ leads to a failure of its functionality. This can subsequently provoke the formation of a subcapsular cyst of the right kidney, as well as the left one.
Diagnosis
To establish a diagnosis, the doctor prescribesvarious studies that help determine the localization of the cyst, its size and stage of development. Laboratory tests are also used in the collection of anamnesis. But they are only able to determine the general condition of the paired organ, the degree of its functionality and possible violations, but they are not able to identify the cyst itself.
The following types of studies are more informative:
- Ultrasound. The study is carried out in order to identify neoplasms in the organ, determine their number, size. Ultrasound of the subcapsular cyst of the kidney helps to identify the pathological process in the fetus as early as the 15th week of pregnancy.
- MRI. The examination is auxiliary when certain inaccuracies remain after the ultrasound. With its help, you can identify even the most minor changes in the structure of the kidney, determine their nature and nature of occurrence.
- Antiography is one of the varieties of computed tomography using a contrast agent. With the help of this study, not only the structure of the kidney is determined, but also the state of adjacent tissues, vessels and arteries is studied. The greatest contrast appears in the most important areas of the body, which allows you to see the defects. Iodine is often the catalyst.
- Radioisotope research. This study helps to identify a cyst at an early stage of development, when ultrasound could not detect it. For its implementation, a small amount of isotopes are introduced into the body, which are quickly excreted. Their concentration depends on the weight, age and height of the patient. The level of exposure during radioisotope research is much less,than ultrasound.
The subcapsular cyst of the kidney, both of the right and left organ, does not have any differences, but when making a diagnosis, the doctor must specify the true localization of the growth, which is necessary for further treatment.
Medicated treatment
If the diagnosis showed the benign nature of the cyst, its small size and simple structure, then medications are prescribed for treatment. Most often, their action is aimed at eliminating unpleasant symptoms and making the patient feel better.
For these purposes, the following types of drugs are used;
- painkillers;
- antimicrobials;
- antibiotics;
- drugs to lower blood pressure;
- drugs that reduce the concentration of calcification in the kidneys.
More accurate information about the regimen and dosage of funds is indicated by the attending physician based on the diagnosis.
Congenital pathological process requires control over the water balance in the body. Therefore, a person should drink at least 2 liters of water daily and take medication to lower blood pressure levels.
Drug therapy is acceptable only if the cyst is benign, so it is forbidden to experiment and use drugs without the knowledge of a doctor.
Outpatient Therapy
This method of treatment of subcapsular cyst of the kidney is used fordetection of a benign neoplasm of a larger size. In this case, the doctor decides to perform a low-traumatic operation to remove the build-up.
Main methods:
- Drainage or puncture. The indication for carrying out is the presence of a build-up of more than 6 cm. During the operation, a thin tube is inserted into the neoplasm to drain the fluid contained in it. And the resulting void is filled with a special solution that glues the walls of the cyst. Alcohol is often used for this. After the operation, the patient does not require additional inpatient treatment.
- Retrograde intrarenal removal. During the procedure, an endoscope is inserted into the urethra, which subsequently enters the affected kidney through the bladder and ureter. Then the affected area is cut with a laser and the cyst is removed. After that, the wound is sutured.
Surgery
In some cases, it will not be possible to avoid surgical removal of the cyst. The likelihood of the operation is determined by the doctor based on the possible risks to the patient's life.
Main indications for conduction:
- high blood pressure that cannot be stabilized with drugs;
- degeneration of growth into a malignant formation;
- sharp pain that cannot be relieved;
- critical dysfunction of the affected kidney;
- rapid cyst growth.
To completely remove the cyst, laparoscopy is performed. During the operation, 2 smallincision: on the anterior abdominal wall and on the side of the affected kidney. One hole is needed for inserting the camera with a lighting device, and the second for the removal tool. The number of incisions may be more, at the discretion of the surgeon.
At the end of the procedure, the patient stays in the hospital for another 3-5 days to monitor the dynamics of his well-being.
Folk remedies
On the network you can find recommendations on the use of folk remedies for the treatment of a subcapsular cyst of the kidney, but they are not able to help the situation.
No herbs and decoctions can eliminate the neoplasm. And their use will only delay the process and miss the time for treatment, which will lead to the degeneration of a benign tumor into a malignant one.
Possible Complications
The greatest danger is the ability of the cyst to degenerate into a malignant neoplasm. According to statistics, this occurs in 30% of diagnosed cases.
In addition, the following types of pathology complications are possible:
- blood poisoning (peritonitis);
- internal bleeding;
- acute intoxication of the body;
- violation of the functionality of the organ.
The sooner a cyst is detected, the less harm it will cause to the body. Therefore, with any alarming symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Forecast
Congenital pathology has a poor prognosis. Most often, the life expectancy of a child is no more than 2 months.
The acquired form of the cyst is treated, and the prognosis is favorable regardless oftreatment method. Provided that the diagnosis will be carried out in a timely manner.
Prevention
There are some rules that will help to avoid recurrence, as well as reduce the likelihood of the initial appearance of a subcapsular kidney cyst.
Main recommendations:
- timely treat kidney diseases, preventing them from becoming chronic;
- avoid hypothermia and injury;
- to give up excessive drinking;
- reduce the consumption of unhe althy foods as much as possible;
- balance the diet by enriching it with fresh vegetables and fruits.
Attentive attitude to your he alth will help to identify the pathological process at the initial stage. This will help to carry out timely treatment and prevent the transformation of the cyst into a malignant tumor. Therefore, even with minimal suspicion, it is recommended not to waste time, but to undergo an examination.
