Home HealthTopics Health Centers Reference Library Research
Join us on Facebook Join us on Facebook Share on Facebook
Share

Kidney Diseases

Bosniak type III cyst

05/01/2008

Question:

My dad had a CTscan done of his kidneys. The diagnosis written on the paperwork says Bosniak Type III. He was referred to see a specialist. Can you help me know what step may be next, and exactly what this is? He has an artificial valve and takes coumadin and heart rate medicine.

Answer:

Bosniak is the name applied to the classification system for cysts of the kidney.

There are basically four categories. Category IV Bosniak is likely to be malignant. Bosniak III are indeterminate, 40-50% may be malignant. The approach to this could be continued surveillance, MRI, biopsy or excision. The decision will depend on the well-being and age of the patient and the input from the specialist (Urologist). Since your dad is on coumadin and has an artificial valve, they may elect to monitor this rather than operate.

For more information:

Go to the Kidney Diseases health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Thomas Zipp, MD Thomas Zipp, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University