Renal cysts can be both an independent nosological entity, and a clinical manifestation, or a complication of a severe diseases. Understanding the epidemiology, pathogenesis and diversity of causes of cystic kidney disease contributes to the timely diagnosis and selection of reasonable treatment and prevention tactics. The presented literature review describes the most common processes that contribute to the development of this pathology, as well as genetic diseases and rare causes, the clinical manifestation of which is the formation of cystic cavities. The article presents the main diagnostic algorithms and modern classifications of the disease for practical assistance to the doctor. The review contains up-to-date information on the modern staging of cystic kidney disease according to the Bosniak classification, and also presents the risk of malignancy, according to the statistical data presented in the literature.