Colloid Cyst

Overview
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Treatment

What is a Colloid Cyst?

Colloid cysts are mucous-like masses that most commonly appear near the center of the brain, at the point where the lateral ventricles — two of the brain's natural fluid chambers — drain into the third ventricle.

Because a colloid cyst can obstruct the flow of fluid into the brain's third ventricle, it requires immediate medical attention.

Common symptoms of colloid cysts include memory problems, headaches, loss of consciousness, and confusion.

Surgery to remove the colloid cyst generally cures a person with this condition.

At UPMC, the preferred surgical treatment for a colloid cyst is Neuroendoport® surgery. Neuroendoport surgery gives surgeons access to the colloid cyst through a dime-size channel. This minimally invasive approach offers benefits such as:

Minimal scarring
Fewer side effects and complications
Faster recovery times than with traditional surgery

Diagnosing a Colloid Cyst

To make the diagnosis of colloid cyst, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and order imaging tests.

Symptoms of colloid cysts

Colloid cyst symptoms may include:

Headaches
Confusion
Memory problems
Loss of consciousness

Tests for diagnosing colloid cysts

Imaging studies, such as CT and MRI scans, can be used to diagnose a colloid cyst.

Colloid Cyst Treatment

In most cases, the recommended treatment for colloid cysts is surgical removal.

Minimally invasive surgery to remove colloid cysts

Neuroendoport surgery offers a minimally invasive option for tumors within the ventricles (fluid spaces) or deep-seated tumors within the substance of the brain. A narrow tube or port allows surgeons to access these tumors through a tiny incision in the scalp, in contrast to traditional brain surgery.

Neuroendoport® Surgery
This animation illustrates the removal of a metastasis using the Neuroendoport technique.

​Colloid Cyst