Pineal Brain cyst/tumor

[cmb123070]

In September 2003 I was diagnosed with a pineal brain cycst, measuring 2cm x 1.5cm x 1cm.  I have had 4 separate MRI's since them.  In the previous 3 MRI's there was no change in the size of the cyst.  

I just got the report back on the fourth MRI, which was done on 10-21-05.  The cyst is now measuring 2.8cm x 1.6 x 1.2

The report reads "Since 12/8/03, a cystic lesion in the region of the pineal gland has slightly increased in size and it has lobulated or multiseptated appearance which is unchanged.  No peripheral or internal enhancement.  Most likely this is either a pineal cyst or pineal cytoma although findings are non-specific.  No hydrocephalus.  Follow-up as clinically indicated."

I am waiting for an appt with my neurosurgeon, but wondered what the above means.  I am mostly concerned with the words lobulated and multiseptated.  

I also recently began experiencing "floaters" and saw an opthamologist.  He said my retna and pressure looked good.  I am waiting for an appt for a "vision fild".

My report also reads "This lesion is of slightly lower signal intensity than gray matter on diffusion weighted images".  What does that mean?  It's like reading a foreign language.

The cyst is also flattening my tectal plate.

Any info you can give me on this report would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

THe report contains language that is meant for a medical professional, hence it seems like a 'foreign language' to laypeople!



Although the measurement has increased it is a minimal and probbaly insignificant change, there is also difference attributable to a different person measuring it a bit differently etc

lobulated and multispetated are just descriptive terms about its appearance meaning that the cyst (a fluid collection surrounded by a lining) also has some lining within the cyst dividing it up a bit, something that occurs with many cysts. The intensity is just a descriptive term regarding the color of the cyst - that it darker compared to another area, also consistent with the fact that fluid on this type of scan (ie fluid in the cyst) normally apeears darker than solid material



The flattening of the tectal plate means that there is some pressure on the part of the brain below the cyst - I cannot tell how bad from the internet, some symptoms that could occur if significant would be vertical double vision, persistent headache, jerky eye movements, but probably not just 'floaters'



Good luck

[Tarheeljoe]

I submitted a posting on Pineal Gland Cyst Nov-05 for my wife.  Symptoms were constant headaches, double vision.  Her Drs kept telling her that the cyst was not large enough to cause the symptoms she was having. Her symptoms became progressivly worse. Dr. Anthony Asher at Charlotte Neurosurgery and Spine operated and found that the cyst was leaking some type of toxins.    She has fully recovered and has no headaches and very slight double vision on the far right side.  You need to be persisitant with your Drs.  They have been taught that pineal gland cysts below a certain size do not become symptomatic. This not always the case since thay can leak toxins and may have underlying tumers.  I don't mean to scare you. Seeing a Nuero-Opthomologist and a Nuerologist for a field of vision study and to examine the upward gaze of your eyes helped to convince the surgen that there was a problem.  Pressure on that part of your brain affect the upward movement of your eyes thus the double vision. During this time her periods became irregular and stopped all together.  Withing 2 days of the surgery her periods started back and have been right on time ever since.  You may not experience the same problems my wife was having, if you are, be persistant with the Doctors. I will keep you in my prayers.

[cmb123070]

Thank you so much for your response.  I will keep everything you said in mind when dealing with my neurologist and vision testing.  I am just waiting to hear from the doctor today to see if they want me to come to Chicago to have the vision field done up there or wait for my appointment I have scheduled on 11-29-05.  Chicago is about an hour drive for me, but I will do whatever he thinks is best.  

Everything I have read on surgeries in that area of the brain tell of how risky it is.  I am glad to hear your wife is doing well.

[Tarheeljoe]

Are you having the same symptoms of headaches and double vision?



Surgery always has it's risks.  The approach they take to get to the pineal region is from the base of the scull just above the neck.  They put you in a position with your chin rolled down to your chest.  This view provides a direct view of the area without having to move any parts of the brain out of the way.  Unfortunatly my wife had difficulty due to her large chest.  Basically the surgen stopped the procedure after 4 1/2 hours due to problems with her breathing.  The second time, they went in from the side above and behind the right ear.  There are more complications with this route because they have to lift up the part of the brain that processes the vision and it does not provide as good a view to the pineal area.  It was about a week before her vision was normal.  



Another important thing to keep in mind if surgery is decided is to find a surgen that has done this procedure more than once.  The ricks are lower when you have a surgen that has done this procedure.  You will not find a surgen that specializes in the pineal cyst.  The surgens that do this work are usually specialist in brain tumers.  My wife's surgen does approx. 250 tomur surgeries a year. Of those only 5-6 are in the pineal area.  I will check back if you have any more questions.

[nervistcc]

In the course of a neuro examination for sensory problems and muscle cramps they found a pineal cyst. Its about 1 cm by 1 cm by 1cm. I was told that its not causing my symptoms and I shouldn't do anything except monitor it. However, subsequently, I've read of smaller cysts causing people problems and needing surgery. I've never had any kind of surgery, more less brain surgery. I'd appreciate someone with first hand knowledge telling me what to expect. How much down time can I expect? - I can't miss too much work. What are the chances of having residual deficits? Even though my neuro says wait and see, should I make an appt with a surgeon?

[cmb123070]

Back in 2003, when I had my first MRI, it was because I was having horrible headaches.  It almost felt like my brain was swollen.  My eyes would also swell up & I was very light-sensitive. HOWEVER, I went off the birth control pill in November of 2003 & my headaches got better.  I still get headaches, but nowhere near what they used to be!  

Recently I have been having vision problems, specfically "floaters" and times when I have a hard time focusing (I guess that would be double vision).  It comes and goes though and is not constant.  I had an eye exam done that checked my retina, eye pressure