Most kidney (or renal) problems are benign. They range from simple cysts in the kidney (often picked up during scanning for oter problems and usually of no sinificnace). It is common to have low grade inflammation of the kidneys which may show up as protein in the urine: these conditions whould be seen by a nephrology specialist. Other benign conditions requiring therapy include renal stones and obstruction to the flow of urine from the kidney (PUJ obstruction)

Sometimes tumours of the kidney can develop and may need therapy. Today most of these are picked up during investigations for other conditions and are usually amenable to surgical therapy

Kidney cancer seen under microscopy