Are you suffering from nagging headaches and vertigo? Are you troubled at forgetting little things every now and then? You might be having Colloid Cysts. Read on to know all about Colloid Cysts – their causes, symptoms, treatment and prognosis.
What is a Colloid Cyst?
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Colloid Cysts are sacs or vesicles located within the brain. In all cases of Colloid Cyst third ventricle, a fluid-filled space in the middle area of the brain is seen as the location. Colloid Cysts consist of a connective tissue layer that is covered with cells. It contains gelatinous material that looks like colloids.
Colloid cysts are oval or round in shape. They vary in size. The sacs can be anywhere between a few millimeters to a few centimeters in diameter.
Unlike tumors, Colloid Cysts do not show a tendency to grow continually in size. The cysts do not even spread to other regions of the body. Colloid Cysts are generally non-lethal in nature. In very rare cases, however, they can cause sudden death. This is why Colloid Cysts need proper treatment by an experienced physician.
Colloid cysts are a rare condition. They form less than 1 percent of brain tumors. The condition is generally found in adult persons who are above 40 years in age.
Colloid Cyst Symptoms
Colloid Cysts is characterized by a number of symptoms. Some of the major ones are
Headaches
Many people with Colloid Cysts normally suffer from persistent headaches. It is not clear if cysts are the cause of these headaches. This happens due to increasing pressure buildup inside the cranium. Colloid Cyst headaches can cause a lot of pain.
Nausea
Sufferers of this condition often complaint of a nauseating feeling.
Vertigo
The patients also commonly experience a reeling sensation while moving about.
Drowsiness
Patients of Colloid Cysts suffer from a sense of sleepiness and increased fatigue.
Forgetfulness
The person may also suffer from a deficit in memory which might make him or her forget simple day-to-day activities.
Visual Impairment
Sufferers can see one object as two different things. This causes many problems in vision. Such patients should not be allowed to venture alone in busy thoroughfares.
Behavioral Abnormalities
A change in behavior is also noticed in affected ones.
Personality Alterations
People with Colloid sacs in the brain also suffer from changes in personality.
Colloid Cyst of Thyroid
A Colloid Cyst thyroid is also quite common. In such cases, a nodule appears at the thyroid cartilage level. In cases of Colloid Cyst ultrasound can be used, especially to determine a thyroid Colloid Cyst. Thyroid nodules are found in about 4-7% of the population. These are treated by fine-needle aspirations. Most thyroid nodules are benign. Only about 5% of Colloid cyst thyroid cases are malignant.
Colloid Cyst Causes
The exact cause of this condition is still unknown. Colloid Cyst in the brain is supposed to be a congenital defect as it has been seen to appear in people whose parents have themselves suffered from the disease. The defect seems to arise during fetal development. Behind Colloid Cyst hereditary reasons are thought to be the main factor.
Colloid Cyst Differential Diagnosis
For a differential diagnosis of Colloid Cyst radiology tests like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and CT (computed tomography) scans are usually carried out. It helps doctors differentiate the disease from tumors and other brain conditions. Colloid Cysts are not usually detected directly. It is normally during the diagnosis of some other disorder that they come under notice.
Colloid Cyst Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Colloid Cysts usually involves a physical examination by an experienced physician. The medical history of the sufferer is also taken into account. For a proper diagnosis of Colloid Cyst MRI scans, CT scans and other radiologic tests are often carried out.
Colloid Cyst Treatment and Surgery
For the treatment of Colloid Cyst brain surgery is usually carried out. Earlier, Colloid Cyst removal was carried out with a craniotomy. This involved removing a portion of the skull. A part of the skull was temporarily removed and replaced after extracting the cysts.
The advent of endoscopic neurosurgery has revolutionized Colloid Cyst surgery. In endoscopic neurosurgery, a surgeon makes a small section in the hairline. An endoscope is inserted to remove the cyst contents and remove the cyst walls. Any remaining substance is destroyed with electricity.
An endoscopic neurosurgery takes less than an hour to be carried out. Since the surgery is not invasive, patients usually recover within a couple of days and face no health complications. They can return home within a few days.
Colloid Cyst Prognosis
Colloid Cyst recovery is usually a complete one after surgery. But an improper surgery may cause damage to the brain. If the area does not heal properly, it may lead to the growth of another cyst, usually larger than the earlier one. So it is important that the area is operated on with care. When the cysts have been entirely extracted, the chances of recurrence are low.
Colloid Cyst Risk Factors
Colloid Cyst of the third ventricle is actually a serious condition. Colloid Cyst ventricle disease is marked by an unnatural buildup of fluids inside the cerebral ventricles. This compresses the brain and increases pressure inside the skull. The skull increases in size as a result. Much of the neural tissue is destroyed. Such an over-accumulation of fluids is known as acute hydrocephalus. It can cause sudden death of the affected person.
An early diagnosis and treatment helps in complete cure of the Colloid Cysts. So if you or anyone in your family is showing symptoms similar to this condition, you should seek immediate medical attention. In case of a timely Colloid Cyst surgery recovery is generally complete. Proper cure of Colloid Cyst of brain will help you be in the pink of your health and enjoy life with your loved ones.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colloid_cyst
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-colloid-cysts.htm
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Homeopathy-3400/2009/2/colloid-cyst-2.htm
http://www.glioma.ws/colloidcyst.htm
http://learningradiology.com/archives2010/COW%20409-Colloid%20cyst/colloidcystcorrect.htm
I had a cyst removed may of 2010.I have had nothing but problems since.I deal with depression,being angry, I now have memory problems.all this together makes it worse.
So sorry you are having problems, I was just diagnosed with an 8 mm colloid cyst, I was having severe headaches and mood swings, I am learning as much as I can about these cysts. I meet with a neurosurgeon August 31 for an exam, MRI results and treatment recommendations. Best of luck to you and I hope your health will be improving soon.
How do you know if your experiencing ovarian cyst symptoms. Irrespective of age, ovarian cysts are a very common occurrence in women. Statistics has shown that almost 80% of women worldwide will develop an ovarian cyst at some point in their life. A doctor can refer you to an ultrasound specialist to determine if you have an ovarian cyst or not.
I have a Collis brain cyst that was um removed in 1982, found out in 2012 it is back, originally had severe head aches and double vision. One of my brothers died same year, had headaches and arm numbness. He passes before anything could be done. They were pretty sure it was a cyst that plugged things up and caused his brain stem to rupture.
I have a colloid cyst on the left side of my brain. It has been there since 2010, but just found out and now it is growning. It is 3rd ventrile. Should I get surgery on it.?