How to detect the difference between renal cyst and hydronephrosis

The difference between renal cysts and hydronephrosis can be clearly diagnosed through imaging examinations such as B-ultrasound and CT, and a comprehensive judgment can be made based on clinical symptoms.

Renal cyst is a common abnormality of kidney structure, mostly benign lesions, manifested as fluid-filled cysts formed inside or on the surface of the kidney; while hydronephrosis is a pathological state caused by urine accumulation in the kidney due to obstruction of urine excretion, which may be caused by stones, tumors or congenital factors. The causes and pathological mechanisms of the two are very different, but in the early stage of symptoms, patients may not have obvious discomfort.

To distinguish between these two situations, ultrasound (ultrasound examination) is the first step. It can clearly distinguish the nature of the fluid in the kidney. For example, renal cysts generally appear as black images with clear boundaries and uniform interiors on the image; while the renal pelvis and calyces of hydronephrosis will appear dilated. For more complicated cases, CT examinations can provide more detailed images to clarify the extent of hydronephrosis and possible causes of obstruction. Sometimes, the doctor may also recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or urography for further exploration.

In daily life, you should drink enough water and avoid holding your urine. People with a family history of kidney-related diseases or a history of urinary tract infections should undergo regular health checks. If an abnormality is found during an ultrasound examination, it is recommended that you go to the hospital in time for further analysis and treatment by a professional doctor.