Summary:
- Kidney stones are mineral crystals that form in urine inside the kidney.
- They can form when substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus, become highly concentrated.
- A small stone may pass on its own, causing little or no pain.
- A larger stone may get stuck along the urinary tract and can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain or bleeding.
- The only cure for kidney failure is a kidney transplant, but it can be treated with dialysis (see Figure below)