Brain and spinal cord cysts
Brain and spinal cord cysts are non-cancerous, and they rarely change (transform) into a cancerous tumour. Cysts are often found when people are having tests for other health problems not caused by the cyst. It’s not known how common brain cysts are because many people have them and never have any symptoms. Brain and spinal cord cysts are being found more often because of improved technology with diagnostic imaging tests such as MRI.
Brain and spinal cord cysts can be caused by abnormal development of the central nervous system, infections such as meningitis, parasites, fungal infections or injuries to the brain tissue.
There are different types of brain cysts:
- arachnoid
- colloid
- epidermoid
- dermoid
- pineal
- neurocysticercosis
- echinococcosis
Brain and spinal cord cysts don’t grow into the surrounding tissues like cancer, but they can cause problems by pressing on the surrounding tissues. Cysts found in the brain and spinal cord may contain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, pus and other tissues. They may be found in parts of the brain and spinal cord that control vital functions. Cysts may develop inside or beside tumours.
The signs and symptoms of a cyst in the brain or spinal cord can be the same as the signs and symptoms of a tumour. Symptoms depend on the size and location of the cyst.
You may have surgery to drain or remove a cyst if it is causing problems. Cysts caused by an infection, a parasite or a fungal infection are treated with medicines such as antibiotics or antiparasitic medications.
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