Home

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Erectile Dysfunction

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Doctor123.org

helps physicians and healthcare professionals

Cysts in the Brain


About this topic


Cysts in the brain are sacs of fluid or other materials that are in or around the brain. These cysts may be filled with the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, blood, gel-like fluid, tissue, or tumor cells. Most of the time, these cysts are not cancer. ‚  
There are a few kinds of cysts found in the brain. ‚  
  • Arachnoid cyst
  • Colloid cyst
  • Dermoid cyst
  • Epidermoid cyst
  • Pineal cyst

Cysts can be found anywhere in or around the brain. ‚  

What are the causes?


Doctors do not know exactly what causes a cyst to form. Some are formed in the early weeks while a baby is developing and are there when a baby is born. Others may develop later in childhood or even as an adult. Some may be caused from a head injury, infection, tumor, or brain surgery. There is nothing you can do to prevent these cysts. ‚  

What are the main signs?


Your signs are based on how big the cyst is and where it is located in your brain. Each part of your brain controls different parts of your body. Based on what part of the brain your cyst is pressing on, that part of your body or that body function may be changed. ‚  

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will ask questions about your history and do an exam. The doctor may order tests like: ‚  
  • CT, MRI, or PET scan
  • Lab tests
  • X-rays
  • Biopsy

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Care is based on the size, type, and location of your cyst, as well as your health and age. Your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the cyst, or just watch for changes in your signs or in the size of the cyst. You may need to have repeat scans or other tests to see if the cyst is getting bigger. ‚  

Will chemo or radiation be needed?


Some kinds of cysts may go along with a tumor that is cancer. If your cyst is one of these, you may need to have chemo or radiation. ‚  

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Headaches
  • Trouble seeing or looking upwards
  • Trouble walking or moving arms or legs
  • Confusion
  • Sleepiness
  • Seizures
  • Upset stomach or throwing up
  • Feeling dizzy or having problems with balance

Where can I learn more?


American Brain Tumor Association ‚  
http://www.abta.org/brain-tumor-information/types-of-tumors/brain-cysts.html ‚  
American Brain Tumor Association ‚  
http://www.abta.org/secure/resource-one-sheets/cysts.pdf ‚  
Canadian Cancer Society ‚  
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/brain-spinal/brain-and-spinal-tumours/brain-and-spinal-cord-cysts/?region=on ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/arachnoid-cysts/ ‚  

Last Reviewed Date


2016-01-14 ‚  

List_set bdysylist


  • Central Nervous System

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚  
Copyright © 2016 - 2017
Doctor123.org | Disclaimer