Risk Factors Associated with Renal Mass Compared to Renal Cyst: A Case-Control Study

Background: Renal mass is a significant global health issue; studying its risk factors relative to benign renal cysts is essential for prevention and risk modification.
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify renal mass risk factors compared to renal cysts in the Iraqi Kurdistan population.
Patients and Methods: This unmatched case-control study was conducted from October 2025 to February 2026 at two hospitals in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. The cases comprised 308 adults with renal masses, while the control group comprised 307 adults with renal cysts. Structured interviews, questionnaire and medical record reviews were used to collect information on sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle aspects. Multivariable logistic regression discerned independent risk variables.
Results: Male gender (AOR=0.42 for females, 95% CI: 0.27-0.64, p<0.001), obesity (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.20-2.10, p=0.001), hypertension (AOR=3.03, 95% CI: 1.79-5.12, p<0.001), urinary tract infection (AOR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.02-2.62, p=0.042), smoking (AOR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.07-2.58, p=0.025), family history of cancer (AOR=4.89, 95% CI: 2.11-11.34, p<0.001), inadequate sleep (AOR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.20-3.51, p=0.008), and high perceived stress (AOR=2.97, 95% CI: 2.09-4.23, p<0.001) were Healthier dietary patterns were protective (AOR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.81, p=0.003).
Conclusion: Multiple modifiable risk factors were identified, including male gender, obesity, hypertension, urinary tract infection, smoking, inadequate sleep, and high perceived stress. The positive family history for cancer was the highest non-modifiable risk, and additionally, healthier dietary patterns were protective. These findings indicate the need for a prevention strategy, particularly to minimize modifiable risk factors in Iraqi Kurdistan