A cyst in brain is a fluid-filled malformation that most commonly affects children and can affect adults. These benign (non-cancerous) fluid sacs can cause brain and nervous system disorders that require treatment.
Brain cysts can contain pus, blood, CSF, or other tissue elements. Small cysts that do not enlarge can be detected utilising normal surveillance and follow-up. However, some patients have quality-of-life issues that necessitate a neurosurgical consultation.
What is the source of a cyst in brain?
Cyst in brain, also known as a primary or congenital arachnoid cyst, are typically produced by abnormal growth of your brain and spinal column while you are still in the womb. The actual reason for this rise is yet unknown. It may be genetic. Multiple factors can contribute to developing a secondary cyst in brain, also known as a noncongenital cyst in brain.
In which age group does cyst in brain occurs?
Cyst in brain are more common in males than in women, and they generally occur before the age of 20. Large cysts in the brain, if left untreated, can cause problems such as hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain), the early beginning of puberty, and vision impairment.
Cyst in brain can be either primary (existing at birth) or secondary (developed later in life) (arising due to disease or injury). Cysts can grow without causing any symptoms. The majority of cysts in the brain are non-cancerous and cause no symptoms. Nonetheless, if the cyst is large enough, it may influence the central nervous system, causing headaches, lethargy, and neurological damage. In some instances, it may require surgical drainage of the cyst.
What is the procedure for treating cysts in the brain?
If cysts in the brain are tiny, they do not usually need medical attention or surgery. Treatment is required if the tumours begin to push against the brain or spinal cord, which will relieve symptoms. Cyst in brain is only treated surgically.
To treat cysts in the brain, surgeons must either drain the fluid from the cyst or puncture a hole in the arachnoid membrane surrounding the sac. A variety of surgical procedures can treat cysts in the brain, including the following:
- Drainage of the cyst via needle aspiration or a burr hole (cyst more likely to recur with this treatment)
- To drain the cyst in brain, neurosurgery is used to construct numerous holes that constantly leak (fenestration)
- Even though placing a shunt to drain cerebral fluid is a very simple surgery, it can cause both acute and long-term problems (infection, obstruction, scarring, etc.)
In What Ways Is a Cyst on the Brain Serious?
For a cyst in brain, the prognosis is determined by the stability of the cyst. A cyst that has grown unstable and is not treated might cause serious brain damage that is irreversible in the most extreme cases. On the other hand, most tumours cysts in the brain do not necessitate medical attention or surgery. When symptoms are treated, they almost always go away or improve.
