Polycystic Kidney Disease

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Overview



Cystic kidney disease describes several conditions in which fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys. Cysts generally develop in weak segments of the tubules that carry urine from the glomeruli. The cyst's growth displaces healthy kidney tissue. The kidneys expand to accommodate the cyst, which can weigh as much as 20 pounds.




Three factors determine cyst classification: its cause (acquired, inherited), its features (complicated, simple, multiple, single), and its loca...Read the full article