Colloid cyst

Not to be confused with Choledochal cysts.

Colloid cyst
Histopathology of colloid cyst
CT scan of a 1 cm colloid cyst

A colloid cyst is a non-malignant tumor in the brain. It consists of a gelatinous material contained within a membrane of epithelial tissue. It is almost always found just posterior to the foramen of Monro in the anterior aspect of the third ventricle, originating from the roof of the ventricle. Because of its location, it can cause obstructive hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure. Colloid cysts represent 0.5–1.0% of intracranial tumors.[1]

Symptoms can include headache, vertigo, memory deficits, diplopia, behavioral disturbances, and in extreme cases, sudden death. Intermittency of symptoms is characteristic of this lesion.[2] Untreated pressure caused by these cysts can result in brain herniation.[3] Colloid cyst symptoms have been associated with four variables: cyst size, cyst imaging characteristics, ventricular size, and patient age. Their developmental origin is unclear, though they may be of endodermal origin, which would explain the mucin-producing, ciliated cell type. These cysts can be surgically resected, and opinion is divided about the advisability of this.

  1. ^ Peeters, Sophie M.; Daou, Badih; Jabbour, Pascal; Ladoux, Alexandre; Abi Lahoud, Georges (1 June 2016). "Spontaneous Regression of a Third Ventricle Colloid Cyst". World Neurosurgery. 90: 704.e19–22. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2016.02.116. ISSN 1878-8769. PMID 26968449.
  2. ^ Shaktawat, Sameer S; Salman, Walid D; Twaij, Zuhair; Al-Dawoud, Abdul (25 July 2006). "Unexpected death after headache due to a colloid cyst of the third ventricle". World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 4: 47. doi:10.1186/1477-7819-4-47. ISSN 1477-7819. PMC 1550234. PMID 16867192.
  3. ^ Schiff, David. "Cysts" (PDF). American Brain Tumor Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 May 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2014.