Cortical cyst is a rather unusual location in the left kidney- it occupies a central part (the middle third) of the kidney extending from the outer cortex to the renal pelvis. This appearance can mimic a calyceal diverticulum or caliectasis.Cortical Cyst is very common and occurs in about 50% of people over the age of 50. Renal cysts account for 60-65% of all renal masses. Many people have them and it is usually benign. A cyst is defined as a membranous sac containng fluid. A simple renal cyst is a classification given to renal cysts that "appear round or oval... without infections, calcifications, septations or divisions of its walls.
The simple renal cortical cyst or parapelvic cyst is discovered incidentally so it's important to differentiate it from a true renal neoplasm. Renal cysts account for 60-65% of all renal masses. Large cortical cysts can show up as a palpable flank mass and parapelvic cysts can be detected producing extrinsic compression or mass effect on the collecting system on an intravenous pyelography (IVP) exam. Renal cysts are rarely associated with conditions like tuberous sclerosis, von Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis, or Caroli's disease. In most of these cases, the systemic condition already exists prior to the discovery of the renal cysts. Atypical renal cell carcinomas can develop as a complex cystic mass, although its appearance on US, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is easily differentiated from a simple cyst.
Learn more information about cortical cyst in left kidney treatment
