Understanding Cystoid Lesions: A Term No Longer in Use

Cystoid is a term that was previously used to describe a type of kidney cyst that was thought to be benign (non-cancerous). However, more recent research has shown that some cystoid lesions may actually be early forms of kidney cancer, so the term is no longer commonly used.

In the past, cystoid lesions were defined as round or oval-shaped cysts that were located in the kidneys and contained a clear fluid. They were thought to be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, infections, and inflammation. Some studies suggested that cystoid lesions might be associated with an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, but more research was needed to confirm this association.

However, recent studies have shown that some cystoid lesions may actually be early forms of kidney cancer, rather than benign cysts. For example, a study published in the journal Cancer Research in 2017 found that many cystoid lesions contained genetic mutations that are commonly seen in kidney cancer. Additionally, some studies have found that cystoid lesions can progress to more advanced forms of kidney cancer over time.

As a result of these findings, the term "cystoid" is no longer commonly used in medical literature. Instead, doctors and researchers use terms like "kidney cyst" or "renal cyst" to describe these types of lesions. These terms are more accurate and reflect the fact that some cystoid lesions may be early forms of kidney cancer.