Cyst on kidney

[donnabrain]

Hi.

I don't have a diagnosis of lupus, but have over the years for many reasons suspected that I may have it.

I do have a diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome and was under the lupus unit for that from 2006 until last October, when I was discharged.

I have been told in the past, by more than one medic that I have sjorgrens, but more recently been told I don't, and on digging deeper it appears that the lupus unit suspected it years ago and did a shimmer test twice, which was bone dry both times, but didn't investigate further.

My optician has recently referred me for more investigation as she suspects I have sjorgrens.

I am aware that auto immune conditions often go hand in hand.

On Monday I was sent to A and E with a lot of pain and blood in my urine and a CT scan showed a cyst on my kidney.

A and E say this is nothing to be concerned about, but on my return home I googled cyst on kidney and it came up that it can be due to lupus.

Should I be concerned?

[Jmiller623]

Hi DonnaBrain. I don’t think simple renal cysts are linked to lupus specifically. They have been linked to hypertension and are more common in men over the age of 50.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/169...

One study linked them to protein in the urine, which is commonly found in classic lupus.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/223...

With that being said, if we scanned everyone, about 10% of the population would have a simple renal cyst. It’s worrisome if there are a lot of them which would indicate other diagnoses (eg polycystic kidney disease). However, one simple cyst is usually written off by doctors as insignificant.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/117...

I can’t substitute for the knowledge and management of your own providers. I just know a single renal cyst is almost always written off. I doubt we’ve scanned all the kidneys of those with lupus and thus could never really know if they are linked. It’s a good question, especially given that cysts are linked to hypertension and protein in the urine - 2 things common in lupus nephritis. I’d ask your providers about your concerns, but I’ve never heard of renal cysts and lupus being linked even on broad literature review.

Hope this helps answer your question if even in a small way. I hope you find answers soon! Sending you virtual hugs. ❤️ xx

[donnabrain in reply to Jmiller623]

Thank you for that lovely reply.

[lottagelady]

Yes - my 'cyst' which was found when I had a kidney infection, and was told would be sorted out in outpatients after this Covid stuff was over, turned out to be Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma, and I am 8 weeks post -op from having half me kidney removed .....

[donnabrain in reply to lottagelady]

Sorry to hear that.Hope you are recovering well.

I shall discuss with Gp

[stiff19 in reply to lottagelady]

Best wishes 🙏

[donnabrain in reply to stiff19]

Thank you