Brain Cyst or Cerebral Cyst
A brain cyst or cerebral cyst is a formation filled with air, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid that accumulates in the brain over a certain period. It can be cancerous or benign.
Depending on its size, a brain cyst can press on brain tissue and cause various problems. If there are no significant symptoms and the cyst is not large, surgery is not necessary.
How to Recognize a Brain Cyst?
A brain cyst can be recognized by several symptoms, depending on the type of cyst, how large it is, and whether it is pressing on tissue. The most common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision or hearing problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Balance issues
- Facial pain
- Weakness
- Seizures (rare)
What Causes a Brain Cyst?
Most cysts, especially brain cysts, are congenital. Sometimes, a cyst can develop after an infection, head injury, or cancer.
Types of Brain Cysts
There are several types of brain cysts, including arachnoid cysts, colloid cysts, dermoid, epidermoid, and pineal cysts in the brain. Additionally, tumors or abscesses can form in the brain.
- Arachnoid Cyst This is the most common type of brain cyst. It is filled with cerebrospinal fluid, and people are usually born with this type of cyst. It generally does not cause any problems or symptoms unless it grows large enough to press on the brain, nerves, or spinal cord. It is often discovered incidentally during a CT scan or MRI of the head.
- Colloid Cyst A colloid cyst is benign but can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to the accumulation of excess fluid in the brain. This condition is called hydrocephalus and can be recognized by headaches, double vision, memory and concentration problems, and in advanced stages, frequent fainting or even coma.
- Dermoid Cyst This cyst arises from congenital abnormalities in skin cells. It appears at birth and is usually removed soon after. The dermoid cyst consists of tissue under the skin, such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or sweat glands.
- Epidermoid Cyst An epidermoid cyst contains dead skin cells or keratin. It forms when the body accidentally sheds skin cells and creates a cyst. It is often located along the spine. It is not dangerous, but it can sometimes compress the spinal cord or spinal nerves.
- Pineal Cyst A pineal cyst is filled with fluid and is located within the pineal gland, which is in the center of the brain. Most of these cysts are benign and do not cause any symptoms.
How is a Brain Cyst Diagnosed?
A brain cyst is diagnosed after a consultation with a neurologist and following a CT scan or MRI of the head. In some cases, such as in children, the cyst may be discovered accidentally through these imaging tests.
How is a Brain Cyst Treated?
The treatment of a brain cyst depends on the cyst’s size and type. For an arachnoid cyst, a puncture may be needed to remove fluid from the brain. For dermoid and epidermoid cysts, surgical removal is required. Colloid cysts are also removed through a special operation using endoscopy. Pineal cysts are not as dangerous and do not cause significant problems, so surgery is not necessary. Regular monitoring and control are sufficient in most cases.
Conclusion
A brain cyst is a balloon-like structure filled with fluid or air, and in most cases, it is benign. The severity of the condition depends on the type of cyst and its size. However, it rarely causes serious symptoms, and surgery is only sometimes needed.