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Suggest Treatment For Benign Asymptomatic Pineal Cyst
Question: I was told I have benign asymptomatic pineal cyst via MRI. I suffer from lightheadedness & visual disturbances. Dr thinks its stress. Could it be the cyst?
Hi. You have not mentioned the size of cyst in Mri. These symptoms can be because of pineal cyst. Consult neurosurgeon. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The cyst is 1cm. Not compressing or touching anything the neuro said
Brief Answer:
Cyst is small and not causing any concerns on imaging
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Your concern regarding the finding of a pineal cyst is understood.
Pineal cysts can be termed asymptomatic till the size of about 10 mm (1 cm). Your cyst has been called asymptomatic because the cyst is not seen to cause any pressure effects inside the brain. Larger cysts can cause obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to hydrocephalus.
There has been medical research on penial cysts which I wish to share with you below.
"In a study of 32 patients with pineal cyst, followed up from 6 months to 9 years, found cyst enlargement in only 3 patients, 75% remaining the same, and the rest shrinking. The authors conclude that cysts with typical features may be followed up clinically, rather than with imaging"
Further it is said that if the cysts are above 10-12 mm in diameter follow-up imaging may be necessary.
From the above I would like to conclude saying that
1. Its to early to confirm that all your symptoms are due to the cyst and most cysts remain the same in size in that location
2. Follow up MRI is surely indicated at 6 months to a year, earlier if your symptoms get worse
3. A detailed ophthalmological clinical examination might help to make an assessment of your visual disturbances
4. Please try and reduce any anxiety related stress and this can affect clinical assessment
5. The cyst is small right now and not causing any serious concerns on imaging
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Cyst is small and not causing any concerns on imaging
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Your concern regarding the finding of a pineal cyst is understood.
Pineal cysts can be termed asymptomatic till the size of about 10 mm (1 cm). Your cyst has been called asymptomatic because the cyst is not seen to cause any pressure effects inside the brain. Larger cysts can cause obstruction to the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to hydrocephalus.
There has been medical research on penial cysts which I wish to share with you below.
"In a study of 32 patients with pineal cyst, followed up from 6 months to 9 years, found cyst enlargement in only 3 patients, 75% remaining the same, and the rest shrinking. The authors conclude that cysts with typical features may be followed up clinically, rather than with imaging"
Further it is said that if the cysts are above 10-12 mm in diameter follow-up imaging may be necessary.
From the above I would like to conclude saying that
1. Its to early to confirm that all your symptoms are due to the cyst and most cysts remain the same in size in that location
2. Follow up MRI is surely indicated at 6 months to a year, earlier if your symptoms get worse
3. A detailed ophthalmological clinical examination might help to make an assessment of your visual disturbances
4. Please try and reduce any anxiety related stress and this can affect clinical assessment
5. The cyst is small right now and not causing any serious concerns on imaging
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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