Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other organisms. PKD is characterised by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.

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/ Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

Gelatinous cyst

puppy81
puppy81
hi all,

I was having flank pain for the past 6 months, so my nephro recommended to have a large cyst drained since he suspected that causing pressure on other organs. So we saw a radiologist who specialises in this stuff and he said he would be able to empty the cyst to the last drop. So I went for the procedure, but it didnt go as expected. He was not able to suck much of it, because it was not plain fluid, it was like jell-o in there. He was able to get a littlefluid out which he is sending to test for infection. Has anyone else experienced gelatinous fluid in the cyst? I dont get a great feeling about this.. anyone knows if this means complications?

Thanks
norma67
norma67
Hi, from what I recall about cysts, the word gelatinous fluid is an adjective and means thick fluid, nothing dangerous, just different from normal liquid that we might see in most cysts. I have several ganglion cysts, one on my wrist that has gone away over the years and on one the top of my foot that has gotten worse over the years, they are both described as gelatinous cysts. I think that this goes right along with everything else we have with PKD, it is a connective tissue disease and allow other problems to occur. Although I don't think you have anything to worry about with this cyst, it's just different in nature. Hope this helps.

Norma...
ihavepkd
ihavepkd
Puppy,
I have a liver cyst that the interventional radiologist simply could not access. The tip of the catheter bent (twice, 2 different catheters) in an attempt to puncture the cyst. I have no idea what is in that cyst; he never tried to access it again. My nephrologist has never been concerned about the cyst; it's still there and doing fine.

Our cysts can contain any type of fluids and if they've leaked before they may have a mix of blood and fluid in them and that fluid could conceivably have near any consistency. Quite honestly, I wouldn't be overly concerned; this is probably one of the cysts that just doesn't have a normal fluid consistency but is still a perfectly normal PKD cyst. Just remember there is no "normal" for PKD, we have hypodense, hyperdense and simple cysts (with just plain fluid).

As a side note, no one should ever promise anything and drainage is not recommended as pain relief as cysts usually refill within hours to days. Sclerosing is the recommended course of action for a single cyst that is symptomatic. Obviously, that wasn't an option in your case if they couldn't remove all of the fluid, but something to keep in mind for the future.

I hope this helps and your test results turn out just fine. Please keep us posted.
Lots of hugs,
Ruth
puppy81
puppy81
Hi,

Thanks Norma and Ruth for your replies. It makes me feel better. I was starting to wonder if this is a complex cyst and can it cause cancer etc. Sorry I am new to all this and just been diagnosed with a few cysts this year. So I guess I get worried over these things :) I have only flank pain as of now, no effect on kidneys.

Thanks again
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Puppy,

Norma and Ruth are always full of GREAT advise. So many times they have relieved my fears. It has always been intersting to me how different PKD is from person to person. My kidneys are overrun with cysts, but at this point I haven't had much pain. Every once in awhile I will get twinges, especially in my right kidney. My understanding of that is that the kidney tissues are stretching from cyst formation. But, my function is at about 22%. Then, there are those who have pain and big cysts that cause problems, but their kidney function is fine. Such an odd disease! :-)

K~
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