What is a cortical cyst of the kidney?

A cortical cyst of the kidney is a benign fluid-filled sac that develops in the outer layer of the kidney (renal cortex). These cysts are relatively common and usually do not cause any symptoms or require treatment.

They are mostly discovered incidentally during imaging tests performed for other reasons, such as an ultrasound or CT scan. In most cases, a solitary cortical cyst does not affect kidney function and does not require medical intervention. The presence of multiple cortical cysts could be associated with polycystic kidney disease, which requires appropriate monitoring and care.