2.4 cm right upper pole renal cyst

[shelltca]

Hello.  I went in for an ultrasound to rule out anything causing the pain, gas, and bloating of my stomach.  I have a history of gastro problems since I was young.  I am a 42 year old female.  I have a hiatal hernia and IBS, so I figured that was the cause of this pain.  When I was young (like 12 yrs old) I had an upper g.i. because of my stomach issues.  That is when they discovered the hiatal hernia.  Going to a gastro doctor to teach me how to deal with that.  So when I got the results of the ultrasound back this is what they said "there is a 2.4 cm right upper pole renal cyst" and to please follow up with my doctor.  I will call tomorrow to make an appt (cannot today, it's Sunday).  In the meantime, I researched what is this cyst and I got scared and stopped reading.  When I was pregnant with my son, I did have pregnancy cysts that they kept an eye on and they eventually dissolved.  Can you give me any basic (lamen terms) information as it relates to this diagnosis "2.4 cm right upper pole renal cyst" please???  

Thank you for this forum.  Much appreciated!
Michelle

[Sumer K Sethi, MD]

From your description, this most likely represents a simple renal cyst which is very common. This is usually a benign finding and has nothing to worry about.  If it had some internal solid component or septations we would be worried. But in your case this is most likely to be of no clinical significance but requires US follow up at intervals as suggested by your treating physician.

[shelltca]

Thank you very much for your forum and for taking the time to answer my health related concern!  I appreciate it!!  I will be talking next to my physician and go in with better knowledge now thank to your response!

Michelle