12mm pineal gland

is a 12mm cyst on the pineal gland very big? what causes this? My daughter is 17 and we are scheduled to go Arkansas Childrens Hospital in Jan to meet with a specialist.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

The exact etiology of pineal cysts is unknown. The differential is whether it is a true pineal cyst or a cystic pineal neoplasm, which is the result of embryonic development. Pineal cysts are incidentally found on MRIs of the brain. If they become enlarged, they may cause a headache or to the extreme with vision disturbances (in a condition called Parinauds syndrome). Typically up to 1cm may be considered small. However, the size is relative if there are symptoms.

I agree your daughter should be evaluated by a neurosurgeon. It would be helpful to have him/her give an opinion in light of the clinical symptoms and also the neuro-imaging.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.