kidney cysts

[Honneybunny]

Had an ultrasound scan for suspected gall stones last week. Radiologist was extremely surprised not to find any, as my symptoms were suggesting there would be.

On the report it says that he found multiple cysts in the left kidney, though. Am going to give him a ring tomorrow to check what this means/if i should be worried. Am i right in thinking that cysts in left kidney are unlikely to cause pain in upper right abdomen, back and shoulder??

Anyone any experience with kidney cysts?

Hi Honey. I've not had these but I'm a student radiographer so may be able to help.
Each nerve you have connects to more then one structure. You can get pain called referred pain, which means it's coming from somewhere else. It's possible the back/shoulder pain you are experiencing is coming from the left kidney area as there is a cyst compressing the nerve (think heart attack, some patients have abdominal pain, there's normally arm/shoulder pain in the left arm, nowhere near the heart). They normally leave cysts unless they have to do something (pain and fever usually), most of the time they cause no problems. Doctors tend to opt a wait and see approach and do nothing unless they are really big.

Hope this helps.