The pineal cyst is a benign formation that forms in one of the lobes of the pineal gland. This pathology in most cases is asymptomatic and rarely causes any complications. Nevertheless, sometimes the structure begins to rapidly increase in size, which leads to compression of brain tissue.
Of course, many patients are looking for more information. Why does such a neoplasm appear? What symptoms are worth paying attention to? What methods of therapy does modern medicine offer? Is surgery required in the presence of a small cyst of the pineal gland? What are the prognoses for patients? Answers to these questions will be useful to many people.
Epiphysis and its functions
It is worth considering the main functions of this part of the brain before exploring the questions of why the pineal cyst is formed and what disorders are caused.
The gland, which is called the pineal gland and pineal gland, is anatomically part of the suprathalamic region of the brain. This structure is a small body of a grayish-reddish color, pineal-shaped (from where, in fact, the name comes from). Outside the pineal gland is covered with a protective connective tissue capsule, from which the trabeculae depart - they penetrate inside, dividing the gland parenchyma into lobules.
This organ belongs to the group of endocrine glands of the neurogenic group. The pineal gland produces such biologically active substances important for the body as serotonin, melatonin, dimethyltryptamine and adrenoglomerulotropin.
It is worth noting that the features of the functioning of this structure are not yet fully understood. By the way, at one time, the famous scientist and philosopher Rene Descartes called the pineal gland the receptacle of the human soul. Naturally, to date, researchers have already managed to carefully study the structure of the gland, as well as some of its functions.
The pineal gland produces a large amount of melatonin. This substance ensures the synchronization of the so-called circadian rhythms, controls the phases of wakefulness and sleep. In addition, hormones secreted by the gland also affect other processes in the body:
- inhibit the development of the reproductive system in children, are responsible for sexual behavior (in children the pineal gland is much larger, but its size decreases as the body grows older);
- at night, they reduce the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary system;
- strengthen the immune system, make the body more resistant to infections;
- prevent the development of nervous overexcitation;
- regulate the work of different parts of the brain;
- control the tone of the walls of blood vessels;
- act as antioxidants, providing cells with protection from harmful substances and slowing down the aging process;
- facilitate the adaptation of the body when changing time zones;
- cause drowsiness, help to fall asleep;
- slow down the synthesis of growth hormone, while stimulating the production of aldosterone;
- It is also believed that epiphyseal hormones to one degree or another slow down the growth of tumors, including cancer.
What does a cyst look like?
The pineal cyst is a small formation with a dense membrane and liquid contents. It is located in the tissues of one of the lobes of the pineal gland. It is worth noting that most often this structure is small - its diameter rarely exceeds 5 mm. A neoplasm of this size, as a rule, does not affect the functioning of the brain, therefore it is discovered quite by accident during magnetic resonance imaging.
Sometimes, as already mentioned, this structure begins to rapidly increase in size, which can lead to compression of brain tissue, disruption of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. By the way, not only adult patients face a similar problem - a pineal cyst may form in children, including newborns.
Causes of neoplasm
It is worth noting that to date, the exact causes of the appearance of neoplasms in this part of the brain are not fully understood. Nevertheless, some theories and hypotheses are still available.
Some scientists claim that the cyst is the result of a small hemorrhage in the tissue of the pineal gland.
In some cases, the ducts of the gland become clogged, and the excreted melatonin and other substances continue to be synthesized, accumulating inside the cavity. This is how a cyst is formed.
Doctors identify several risk factors, including:
- hormonal imbalance (they affect the secretory activity of the pineal gland);
- traumatic brain injuries (damage to brain tissue is associated with bumps, bruises, wounds);
- infections affecting the brain;
- some autoimmune diseases;
- pathologies of cerebrovascular nature.
If we are talking about newborn babies, then the formation of a cyst can be associated with head injuries during childbirth, intrauterine infection of the tissues of the nervous system, various developmental pathologies and oxygen starvation during embryonic development.
Parasitic lesion
Sometimes the cyst of the pineal gland is the result of penetration of echinococcus into the body. These parasites belong to the class of tapeworms. Mature individuals live in the intestines of dogs, jackals, and wolves. Some species infect Feline.
Man for this parasite is only an intermediate host. Eggs of this parasite enter the patient's body, which in the intestine turn into larvae. Pathogenic microorganisms then enter the portal vein system and, together with the blood stream, are carried throughout the body, entering the brain. Here, the parasite is covered with a protective shell (capsule), forming a cyst. This is a dangerous form of echinococcosis that requires immediate treatment.
What symptoms are accompanied by pathology?
What disorders accompany the growth of the pineal cyst? This gland, as you know, affects the work of the whole organism, therefore, the appearance of disorders from different organ systems is possible.
The signs of a pineal cyst are largely dependent on the size of the neoplasm. As this structure grows, the patient's well-being deteriorates sharply.
- People with a similar diagnosis often complain of severe migraines. Attacks begin unexpectedly and for no apparent reason. The pain is compressive.
- It is worth noting that sometimes headaches are accompanied by the appearance of nausea and even vomiting. Such a symptom may indicate an increase in intracranial pressure.
- Sometimes there are violations of skin sensitivity.
- Some patients note a periodic appearance of noise in the head, a sensation of pulsation.
- The pineal cyst in a child (if it is complicated by hydrocephalus) may be accompanied by swelling and pulsation of the fontanel.
- Hypo- or hypertonicity of muscles is sometimes observed.
- Patients often lose consciousness. Perhaps the appearance of mental disorders, seizures of the type of epileptic seizures.
- A circadian rhythm malfunction occurs: a person becomes drowsy in the daytime, and awake at night.
- The growth of the cyst is sometimes accompanied by compression of the optic nerve, which is fraught with various visual impairments. Some patients say that the movement of the eyeballs is accompanied by pain. Sometimes they also notice double vision, a feeling of "veil" in front of the eyes, as well as blurred vision.
- Pathology affects the center of coordination of movements. Patients often lose balance when walking, gait becomes shaky, unstable. There are problems with fine motor skills - the patient is not able to work with small parts, objects.
When such symptoms appear, you need to urgently consult a specialist and undergo the necessary examinations.
Features of the clinical picture with parasitic lesion
If the cyst of the pineal gland of the brain is associated with a parasitic lesion, then the clinical picture may look different, because the neoplasm is prone to rapid growth, a sharp increase in volume. Other symptoms may join the above disorders:
- various mental disorders are observed (for example, the patient cannot adequately assess reality);
- the appearance of delirium is possible;
- the list of dangerous signs include fast-progressing dementia;
- possible complete or partial paralysis of the limbs;
- in some patients there is a sharp and persistent increase in blood pressure;
- in some cases, the growth of a parasitic cyst leads to the appearance of epileptic seizures.
Possible complications
Many patients are interested in information about what complications a pineal cyst can lead to. Reviews of doctors, as well as statistical data, indicate that in most cases such a neoplasm does not pose a particular threat.
Nevertheless, a rapidly growing cyst often disrupts, and sometimes completely blocks, the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, which leads to the development of hydrocephalus. Cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the ventricular system of the brain, resulting in an increase in intracranial pressure.
Symptoms of hydrocephalus include weakness, headaches, attacks of which often end in vomiting. Patients complain of frequent dizziness. In newborn children, the signs are more pronounced - a fontanel swelling is observed. If the baby was not provided with timely help, then an increase in the circumference of the head is possible (the skull acquires a characteristic hydrocephalic shape). Possible displacement of the eyeballs.
Ailment can be extremely dangerous. The fluid contained in the ventricular system compresses the brain tissue, which is accompanied by memory impairment, mental disorders, and a decrease in mental abilities.
Diagnostic procedures
A neoplasm in a given area of the brain can be detected during magnetic resonance imaging of the head. Thanks to three-dimensional images, the doctor can determine the exact size of the pineal gland cyst, its shape, and the degree of compression of the brain tissue.
Further tests are carried out, including:
- angiography of blood vessels that provide blood circulation in the brain (it makes it possible to detect a violation of blood flow, the presence of blood clots, etc.);
- an X-ray examination is also carried out, which, however, does not provide much information about such a small cystic mass (nevertheless, it is more accessible than magnetic resonance imaging);
- additional information can be obtained during ultrasound examination of the vessels of the brain and neck;
- vascular dopplerography is also indicated;
- in some cases, the doctor can refer the patient to electroencephalography (makes it possible to assess the functioning of the brain, detect epileptic foci).
All of the above studies, unfortunately, do not provide information about the origin of the pineal cyst. That is why an important stage of diagnosis is a biopsy. The samples obtained during the procedure are then examined in the laboratory - this helps to identify parasites, determine the nature of the infection, etc.
The doctor can draw up the correct treatment regimen for the pineal cyst only after receiving the results of all examinations. In no case should you refuse to undergo diagnostic measures.
Treatment of a cyst of the pineal gland of the brain
Before drawing up a treatment regimen, a thorough diagnosis must be carried out. If the cyst is small, and the patient is not disturbed by any violations, then therapy may not be needed at all. Nevertheless, the patient is registered with a doctor, regularly passes tests and undergoes magnetic resonance scanning or other examinations. It should only be noted that in the case of a cyst of parasitic origin, therapy is necessary, and immediately.
Medication rarely allows you to get rid of a cyst. But correctly selected drugs help to cope with the symptoms of the disease.
- Painkillers are used to help deal with migraines. On the other hand, it should be understood that the pain and discomfort caused by the growth of the neoplasm or an increase in intracranial pressure cannot be stopped with the help of conventional analgesics.
- In the presence of increased irritability, excitability, patients are prescribed various sedatives.
- Diuretics and diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body. Such drugs are used to normalize cerebrospinal fluid flow and reduce intracranial pressure.
- In the presence of seizures, antiepileptic drugs may be introduced into the treatment regimen.
- If there is a hormonal imbalance, then appropriate hormonal preparations are selected for the patients. By the way, sometimes such therapy is enough to reduce the size of the cyst or completely get rid of it.
Of course, only a doctor can prescribe medication. He will select an effective dosage regimen and dosage.
Cyst removal
Unfortunately, many people face such a problem as the formation of a pineal cyst. What threatens the appearance of such a structure and what complications it may lead to, you already know.
Medication sometimes really helps to cope with the disease or at least alleviate the patient's condition. Nevertheless, sometimes surgical intervention is indispensable. Indications for removal of the pineal cyst are as follows:
- the disease has a parasitic origin (echinococcosis);
- the patient has signs of severe hydrocephalus;
- there is a risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system (this may be due to squeezing of blood vessels or parts of the brain responsible for the functioning of the circulatory system);
- there is a strong compression of nearby parts of the brain;
- the patient can observe neurological and mental disorders.
Surgical treatment of a pineal cyst can be carried out in various ways. Here, everything depends entirely on the condition of the patient, the presence of certain diseases.
- The cyst is removed by endoscopy. Using special equipment, the doctor punctures the cyst and removes its contents. After this, the capsule is reorganized. The remnants of the cyst membrane usually resolve by themselves, although there is a chance of relapse.
- Bypass surgery is performed if hydrocephalus occurs. The procedure helps to restore the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, reduce intracranial pressure.
- Occasionally, craniotomy is performed - in certain areas, the doctor, using special surgical equipment, “drills” holes. This procedure is rarely performed, but helps to quickly reduce intracranial pressure. The operation is also prescribed if there is no possibility to remove the cyst endoscopically.
Predictions for Patients
Should I worry about the formation of a pineal cyst? In fact, forecasts directly depend on the reasons for the appearance of this structure, its growth rate. In most cases, the disease is asymptomatic - people do not even suspect the presence of problems.
The most dangerous is a parasitic cyst of the pineal gland. What threatens such a disease? Echinococcus rapidly develops, grows and multiplies, which negatively affects the patient's condition. If the patient was not provided with appropriate assistance (including surgical intervention), then the disease can result in severe brain damage and death.
There are no specific methods of prevention today, and the causes of cyst formation are not always clear. Carefully monitor your condition, periodically undergo medical examinations, inform your doctor about all the complications - this is the only way to detect and eliminate a neoplasm in time, to avoid its dangerous consequences.