Simple Cortical Cyst : Macroscopic

Macroscopic Features: Simple cortical cysts of the kidney may be solitary or multiple and unilateral or bilateral. They are exophytic, thin-walled, translucent, usually unilocular and filled with clear serous fluid. The median diameter is about 5 cm but they may reach enormous sizes. The inner wall is smooth or trabeculated and is lined by a single layer of flattened or low-cuboidal epithelium. Long-standing cysts may show a thick, calcified wall containing hemosiderin-laden macrophages, chronic inflammatory infiltrate and atrophic or no epithelial lining.