What are colloid cysts?
What are the symptoms of colloid cysts?
How are colloid cysts diagnosed?
How are colloid cysts treated?

What are colloid cysts?

Colloid cysts are well-encapsulated non-cancerous cystic structures that form within the brain and contain a thick and gelatinous material. They can vary in size from one-quarter of an inch to over three inches in diameter, but usually range from one-half to one inch. They usually take origin from the roof of the third ventricle, which is one of the fluid spaces within the brain. Currently, the cause of colloid cysts is unknown.

What are the symptoms of colloid cysts?

While some small colloid cysts may never cause any symptoms, those that grown to be sufficiently large in size can block the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and lead to hydrocephalus and its associated symptoms such as headaches, weakness of the limbs, and loss of consciousness. These symptoms may be intermittent due to transient episodes of hydrocephalus that are caused by a mobile cysts that occasionally blocks the flow of CSF. Other symptoms may vomiting, nausea, blurred or double vision, downward deviation of the eyes, problems with balance and coordination, urinary incontinence, drowsiness, altered mental status, coma, or other changes in personality or cognition including memory loss.

How are colloid cysts diagnosed?

Colloid cysts are typically diagnosed through clinical neurological evaluation and by using brain imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging modalities can often demonstrate the cystic structure that is blocking the flow of CSF as well as any associated hydrocephalus.

How are colloid cysts treated?

Since these cysts are not cancerous, they do not have any significant response to radiation or medications and no other non-surgical means of treatment have been developed yet. As such, in cases where the colloid cyst is sufficiently large or has already become symptomatic, surgery to remove the cyst is recommended to avoid progression of symptoms which may lead to disastrous consequences such as sudden death from rapid-onset hydrocephalus.