Kidney Stone

Kidney stones are small masses of salts and minerals that form inside the kidneys and may travel down the urinary tract. Kidney stones range in size from just a speck to as large as a ping pong ball. Signs and symptoms of kidney stones include blood in the urine, and pain in the abdomen, groin, or flank. About 5% of people develop a kidney stone in their lifetime. What causes kidney stones? This illustration shows the path a kidney stone takes to pass through the urinary system. The kidneys regulate levels of fluid, minerals, salts, and other substances in the body. When the balance of these compounds changes, kidney stones may form.