Each cyst is a ballooning up of tiny tubes that are normally found in the kidneys. Eventually the kidneys may become very enlarged, looking as though they consist of a mass of small balls stuck together. This is not a malignant or cancerous change. Kidney failure often develops in late middle age. When kidney failure occurs, dialysis may be necessary and a kidney transplant should be possible.
Transmission is slightly complicated to explain.
If you have the polycystic gene, you get the disease. Men and women are equally affected. If someone is clear of the disease, they cannot pass it on to their children. If they are affected, the genetic rules are the same as for you. Boys and girls are equally affected.