Pineal Gland Cyst

Pineal gland cysts are fluid filled sac-like structures that develop in the pineal gland. The exact causes that lead to the development of these cysts are not known. Pineal cysts are not cancerous and are harmless. They often do not produce any symptom i.e. they are asymptomatic. However, at times, some pineal cysts may grow in size, in which case it can produce symptoms like headaches, nausea, vertigo and visual disturbances. Pineal cysts are one of the four types of pineal lesions, the other three being germ cell tumors, pineal parenchymal tumors and metastases.

Pineal gland is also known as pineal body, and is an endocrine gland that is located at the center of the brain, just between the two hemispheres. The most important function of the pineal gland is to produce melatonin, which is a hormone that mainly regulates and maintains sleep pattern and quality. Pineal gland is a photosensitive gland, as its functions are affected by light. Therefore, the secretion of melatonin by the pineal gland is also regulated by darkness and light; wherein darkness stimulates, while light inhibits its secretion.

Symptoms of Pineal Gland Cyst

Generally, the pineal gland cysts are asymptomatic, only the cysts which are larger than 0.5 cm can produce symptoms. The common symptoms of this condition are headaches, vertigo, increased sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, an enlargement of pineal cysts, which is quite rare, can lead to a condition, known as hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus refers to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain. The condition is caused by the obstruction of cerebral aqueduct by the growing pineal cysts. This in turn impairs the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which as a result, accumulates in the ventricles of the brain. Due to this, pressure builds up in the brain and causes headaches, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and even ataxia and coma in severe cases.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Pineal Gland Cyst

As pineal gland cysts are often asymptomatic, they are mainly discovered in CT and MRI scans carried out to diagnose some unrelated conditions or disorders. They are more frequently detected in autopsies performed after death. However, larger cysts that produce symptoms may require neurological evaluation and can be detected with the help of a brain scan. Usually, pineal cysts can be easily distinguished by their characteristic appearance from the tumors that develop in the pineal region.

Unless the pineal gland cysts are growing and large enough to cause hydrocephalus by blocking the cerebral aqueduct, they do not require any treatment. This is because these cysts are harmless and benign or non-cancerous. However, in rare cases, surgical removal of these cysts may be required, if they are very large and are producing severe symptoms that can affect the health and well-being of an individual. But like any other brain surgery, this process also involves some risks. For less severe conditions, medications are prescribed to alleviate the symptoms.

Only in rare cases do pineal gland cysts cause any serious health problem. No specific reasons behind the formation of these cysts have been discovered till now. But it is important to regularly monitor the size of these cysts once they have been detected. This will help find out if the cysts are growing in size and posing any health hazard for that individual.