pineal gland cyst

[jamamu]

I have what the neurosurgeon believes is a cyst on my pineal gland. However, he said it looked "brighter than usual" and I am scheduled for a subsequent MRI in Dec.,2010.  Do you have any thoughts on "brighter than usual"....and what that could potentially mean?

[Hawk30Kog]

I had a CT scan last week and was told I had pineal cyst on my pineal gland. It is 8mm. I had the CT sacn because I have had a headache for almost 3 weeks now. Along with vomiting, light headness, dizzy, can't sleep, fainting, my right eye takes longer focus then left. The drs have given pain pills, nose spray with pain med in it, and four different shots. They do not think my cyst is causing all of these smyptons. I have had headaches for the last 10yrs. Never been this bad. I am on topomax to try and prevent them it helped until last year. I feel that the cyst is to blame and the doctors will not help or listen to me!! Any advice?

[jamamu]

the pineal "cyst".....he didn't say for sure may be "enhanced".....and "brighter than usual"???????

[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.

Pineal cysts are usually detected by MRI incidentally. They typically have a “cystic” appearance as their name indicates. However, if they begin to have enhancement (I am not sure if your MRI of the brain was performed with or without contrast), it raises the possibility of it becoming a neoplasm. In general, if the lesions remain small, then they are usually observed with periodic MRI’s such as what you are having in December.

If you have concerns, I would discuss this further with your neurosurgeon. He/she knows your image and history.

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