Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) - One of the most common inherited form, often called 'adult polycystic kidney disease'. Signs and symptoms of this form often develop between the ages of 30 and 40. Each child has a 50% chance of getting the disease, if one parent has ADPKD.

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) A rare inherited form, often called 'infantile PKD'. Signs and symptoms of this form may appear shortly after birth or even in the womb. Children born with autosomal recessive PKD usually develop kidney failure within a few years. Sometimes, symptoms don't appear until later in childhood or during adolescence. Each child has a 25% chance of getting the disease, if one parent has ADPKD.

Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) is the non-inherited form of polycystic kidney disease. ACKD develops with long-term kidney problems, especially in patients who have kidney failure and who have been on dialysis for a long time. The cysts of ACKD may bleed. Kidney tumors, including renal cancer can develop in people with ACKD.