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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Tests and procedures used to diagnose simple kidney cysts include:

  • Imaging tests. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are often used to investigate simple kidney cysts. Imaging tests can help your doctor determine whether a kidney mass is a cyst or a tumor.
  • Kidney function tests. Testing a sample of your blood may reveal whether a kidney cyst is impairing your kidney function.
Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. Torres VE, et al. Cystic diseases of the kidney. In: Brenner BM. Brenner & Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookPage&isbn=978-1-4160-3105-5&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..X5001-4--TOP. Accessed March 30, 2010.
  2. McAninch JW. Disorders of the kidney. In: Tanagho EA, et al. Smith's General Urology. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=21. Accessed April 18, 2010.
  3. Simple kidney cysts. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cysts/index.htm. Accessed March 30, 2010.
  4. The kidneys and how they work. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/. Accessed April 20, 2010.
  5. Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz. April 22, 2010.
DS01186 May 15, 2010

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