Colloid cysts are rare, benign (noncancerous), mucous-filled sacs that most commonly appear near the center of the brain. These sacs are found at the point where the lateral ventricles — two of the brain's natural fluid chambers — drain into the third ventricle. Because colloid cysts can block the flow of fluid into the brain's third ventricle, they require immediate surgical evaluation and possibly removal.
UPMC experts specialize in minimally invasive surgery to remove colloid cysts, reducing the risk of surgical side effects and complications and promoting faster recovery when compared to traditional open surgery.
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What Is a Colloid Cyst?
Colloid cysts are rare, benign (noncancerous), mucous-filled sacs that most commonly appear near the center of your brain, at the point where your lateral ventricles — two of your brain's natural fluid chambers — drain into your third ventricle.
How serious are colloid cysts?
Because colloid cysts can block the flow of fluid into your brain's third ventricle, they can cause life-threatening complications and require immediate surgical removal.
How common are colloid cysts?
Colloid cysts are a rare type of brain tumor, affecting about one out of 1 million people. They are most common in adults ages 30 to 60.
What causes colloid cysts?
Researchers aren’t sure what causes colloid cysts.
Complications of colloid cysts
Left untreated, colloid cysts can cause life-threatening complications, including:
- Coma.
- Hydrocephalus — A buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside your skull.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Sudden death.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Colloid Cysts?
The most common colloid cyst symptom is headache. However, colloid cysts do not always cause symptoms.
Other colloid cyst symptoms may include:
- Behavior or mood changes.
- Confusion.
- Difficulty walking.
- Dizziness.
- Double vision.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Memory problems.
- Positional symptoms.
When should I see a doctor about my colloid cyst symptoms?
If you have symptoms of a colloid cyst, you should go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. If symptoms are severe, dial 911.
How Do You Diagnose a Colloid Cyst?
To diagnose a colloid cyst, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, perform physical and neurological exams, and order imaging tests.
What to expect during your visit
If your doctor suspects a colloid cyst, they will:
- Ask you about your symptoms.
- Order imaging tests to evaluate.
- Perform a physical and neurological exam.
Tests to diagnose colloid cyst
Imaging studies help your doctor diagnose and locate the colloid cyst, and may include:
- CT scan — A test that creates images of your body's organs, bones, and tissues.
- MRI — Uses a combination of large magnets, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images to pinpoint where the cyst is and help doctors develop a treatment plan.
Colloid cyst prognosis
If left untreated, colloid cysts can cause life-threatening complications, including sudden death in rare circumstances. However, when diagnosed early, surgical removal of a colloid cyst has a high success rate and provides a potential cure.
How Do You Treat a Colloid Cyst?
The goals of colloid cyst treatment are to remove the cyst and eliminate symptoms.
Treatment options include:
Minimally invasive surgery to treat colloid cysts
At UPMC, the preferred surgical treatment for a colloid cyst is neuroendoscopic removal. Neuroendoscopic surgery gives surgeons access to the colloid cyst through a small skin opening (2cm) and a dime-sized channel opening in the skull. A very small camera (endoscope) allows the neurosurgeon to visualize the colloid cyst that is located deep in the brain for safe removal.
This minimally invasive approach offers benefits such as:
- Faster recovery times than with traditional surgery.
- Fewer side effects and complications.
- Minimal scarring.
Do all colloid cysts need to be removed?
In many cases, colloid cysts need to be surgically removed. Some colloid cysts can be observed and monitored if you're not having any symptoms. Your neurosurgical provider will determine if monitoring and observation is an option for you.
Why Choose UPMC for Colloid Cyst Care?
When you choose UPMC for colloid cyst care, you will receive:
- Access to world-class neurosurgery expertise — Our world-renowned experts treat all types of brain tumors and cysts using the latest approaches and endoscopic techniques.
- A full range of treatment options — We perform minimally invasive endoscopic and traditional open surgical procedures to effectively treat all types of cysts and tumors while reducing your risk of complications.
- Multidisciplinary care — We partner with skull base surgeons, neurologists, and other medical experts to provide complete care that optimizes your recovery and quality of life.
