Kidney cyst. False-colour computed tomography (CT) scan of an axial section through the abdomen, showing a Ikidney i Icyst. i At lower left is the large rounded cyst (blue) on the kidney; at lower centre is a vertebra (red); a lobe of the liver is seen at far left (yellow/green). Cysts on the kidneys, otherwise known as Ipolycystic i disease, is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney failure in adults. The kidney becomes enlarged as its surface becomes studded with cysts. The cysts grow gradually until most of the kidney is destroyed. Abdominal pain is the usual presenting symptom. As an inherited disorder, this condition can be treated by dialysis and kidney transplant.