Differential Diagnosis for Right Cyst in a 10-year-old
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Simple renal cyst: This is the most common type of cystic lesion in the kidney and can be found in children. It is usually benign and asymptomatic.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hydronephrosis: A condition where the kidney swells due to the accumulation of urine, often caused by a blockage in the urinary tract. It can present as a cystic lesion on imaging.
- Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK): A congenital anomaly where the kidney does not develop properly and is replaced by multiple cysts. It is usually diagnosed in utero or in early childhood.
- Wilms tumor with cystic degeneration: Although Wilms tumor is a solid tumor, it can undergo cystic degeneration, presenting as a cystic lesion.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Wilms tumor: A type of kidney cancer that is common in children. Although it is usually solid, it can have cystic components, and early diagnosis is crucial for treatment.
- Renal abscess: A collection of pus in the kidney, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It can present as a cystic lesion and requires prompt antibiotic treatment.
- Echinococcal cyst: A parasitic infection that can cause cystic lesions in the kidney. It is rare but can be deadly if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD): A genetic disorder that causes multiple cysts to form in the kidneys. It is rare in children and usually presents in adulthood.
- Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD): A genetic disorder that causes cysts to form in the kidneys and liver. It is rare and usually presents in infancy or early childhood.
- Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma: A rare type of kidney tumor that can present as a cystic lesion. It is a variant of Wilms tumor and requires prompt treatment.