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Kidney stone
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A kidney stone, also called a stone in the kidney, is a hard, pebble-like mass that forms in one or both of the kidneys. It forms when certain minerals are highly concentrated in the urine.
They are not all alike: they vary in size and shape, and can range from something as small as a grain of sand to something as large as a pea. That size changes the story. A small one may travel on its own through the urinary tract, the path urine takes on its way out, with almost no pain. A larger one can get stuck partway, and a stuck stone can block urine from passing and cause severe pain or bleeding.
In brief
A kidney stone is a hard, pebble-like mass that forms in one or both kidneys when certain minerals are highly concentrated in the urine.
Kidney stones vary in size and shape: they can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea.
A small stone may pass through the urinary tract on its own with almost no pain; a larger one can get stuck, block the flow of urine and cause severe pain or bleeding.
Sources (1)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesDefinition & Facts for Kidney Stones
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
Updated