2. Hematuria
Hematuria can occur as a symptom of kidney cysts, although it is not common. When hematuria (the presence of blood in the urine) is associated with kidney cysts, it typically happens for one of the following reasons:
- Bleeding Within the Cyst: Kidney cysts can sometimes develop fragile blood vessels on their walls. These blood vessels may bleed, causing blood to enter the cyst. If the cyst ruptures or leaks, this blood can mix with the urine, resulting in hematuria.
- Compression of Nearby Structures: Large or complex kidney cysts can exert pressure on nearby tissues and blood vessels. This pressure may lead to tissue damage, which can cause bleeding into the urine.
- Infection or Inflammation: Kidney cysts can sometimes become infected or inflamed. This can irritate the surrounding kidney tissue, resulting in hematuria and other symptoms like fever and pain.
It’s important to note that hematuria can be caused by other medical conditions unrelated to kidney cysts, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder infections, and even certain kidney diseases or cancers. Therefore, if you experience hematuria, you must consult a urologist for a proper evaluation. They will likely perform tests, such as imaging studies and urine analysis, to determine the underlying cause of the hematuria and recommend appropriate treatment or further investigations based on their findings.