Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of a symptomatic pineal cyst or tumour?
Symptoms may be due to the cyst or tumour's proximity to other structures in the brain, or hydrocephalus from compression of the cerebral aqueduct. Patients may report on the following symptoms,HeadachesBlurred vision Limited upward eye movement (Parinaud's Syndrome)Muscle spasms and twitchingExtreme fatigueInsomniaA feeling of being drunk or disconnected to surroundingsTinnitusPoor balanceMemory recall issuesDepressionAnxietyVomitingBurning pain in limbsIssues swallowingPhantom smells such as burning or smokeUrgency to urinatehttps://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10723/pineal-cyst
Is my pineal cyst or tumour large?
A cyst or tumour 15mm or more in size is generally considered to be a large finding. Roughly 80% are less than 10mm in size. The size of the cyst does not necessarily correlate to symptoms. Patients with cysts as small as 5mm have reported on symptoms and many with much larger cysts have reported to having no symptoms at all.
Can I die from having a pineal cyst or tumour?
Deaths are rare but have occurred due to the following complications,1. If the cyst or tumour is blocking the cerebral aqueduct, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may become trapped causing a condition called Hydrocephalus. If left untreated the build up of fluid on the brain can cause brain damage and even death.2. Pineal cysts have been linked to Sudden Death Syndrome. 3. Pineal cysts can rupture and hemorrhage.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8675746https://radiopaedia.org/articles/pineal-apoplexy
Is a pineal cyst a tumour?
The term tumour is generally given to an abnormal mass of tissue which is solid and contains an uncontrolled division of cells. Cysts are abnormal sacs filled with fluid. However the medical definition of a tumour is any form of abnormal growth that should not be in the body.
Can a pineal cyst be cancerous?
In nearly all cases pineal cysts are non cancerous (benign), however it is important to monitor growth, as this maybe an indecation the cyst contains cancerous cells. * Please note that growth may occur without the presence of cancerous cells and is not always indicative of the presence of cancer.
Why did I get a pineal cyst or tumour?
Little is known as to why pineal cysts and tumours occur.
What are the differences between MRI, MRV, MRA and CT Scans?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and is a general term for most MRI scans. MRA stands for Magnetic Resonance Angiography, and is a specific type of MRI exam that allows the doctors to look specifically at the arteries. It may or may not require an injection of a contrast material, depending on the specific vessels being scanned.MRV stands for Magnetic Resonance Venography and is a specific type of MRI that examines the veins, this exam will require an injection of a contrast material to enhance the visibility of the veins.CT stands for Computed Tomography and is a type of x-ray which creates three-dimensional images of your body. MRI scans are often much more detailed and clearer than CT scans and are a better diagnostic tool.
Where is my pineal cyst or tumour on my Scan?
The cyst or tumour is located in the center of the brain please see below images for reference.