The pineal gland cyst( epiphysis) is a hollow, non malignant neoplasm, within which there is a liquid content. The cyst appears inside the pineal gland, located between the hemispheres of the brain. This gland gray-red color is covered with a connecting capsule. The secretory cells of this gland secrete a certain hormone - melatonin, synthesized from the hormone serotonin. Because of the small size of the gland until the end of all its functions are not studied. It is proved only that it participates in the processes of wakefulness and sleep.
Classification of
Cysts can be formed anywhere, even in the brain. Because of the absence of obvious symptoms, it is possible to diagnose the neoplasm by accident, by going through a survey for other indications.
The functions of the epiphysis include:
- is responsible for puberty;
- slows the growth hormones;
- brakes the growth of new formations.
Cysts are different among themselves according to the type of tissue that formed them. The most common of them:
- calloid;
- dermoid;
- epidermoid;
- is arachnoid;
- Pineal.
The pineal gland cyst is found in very rare cases among brain diseases, detecting it at random in the course of a tomographic examination for other medical indications.
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Causes of development of
What contributes to the development of cysts:
- plugging of the outflow valve, in which there is a disturbance in the outflow of melatonin that produces iron;
- echinococcosis, which causes parasitic cysts in the organs.
Helminthiasis is transmitted through the blood. Penetration of parasitic larvae of echinococcus into the gland gives development of cystic neoplasms.
It turns out a certain echinococcus capsule, which is immune from the immune system. Inside a cyst is filled with parasitic products of vital activity, gradually increasing in size.
When the outlet duct is clogged, a sufficient amount of secretion accumulates. The lining tissue forms, which contributes to the progression of the cyst.
Other causes of the development of the pineal gland cyst are not yet fully understood. One explanation for this is that the manifestations of the disease occur without obvious symptoms.
Pineal gland cyst: symptoms of the disease
The disease develops mostly asymptomatically.
The most common complaint among all patients is a headache for no apparent reason, which is difficult to compare with stress, increased pressure or overwork.
It is possible to diagnose the disease by accident, by examining the brain with MRI.
The small pineal gland cyst may not manifest itself at all, and the person will not know about its existence.
The main such symptoms include:
- unsystematic pain in the head without an obvious cause;
- impaired vision function( vagueness and double vision);
- failure in the coordination of movement and gait;
- nausea, vomiting in a complex with pain in the head;
- hydrocephalus, which is formed when the cyst overlaps the cerebral ducts, which leads to disruption of the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
The degree of severe symptoms in dysfunctions in the pineal gland will depend on the size of the tumor and how much it presses on the adjacent areas of the brain.
Once the cyst reaches a critical size, it is able to completely block the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid and lead to negative consequences for the human body.
In the case of an epiphysic cyst of a parasitic nature, the symptomatology will be slightly different. The general clinical picture will be supplemented by such mental abnormalities:
- depressive disorders;
- a state of delirium;
- mental retardation;
- with epileptic syndrome;
- hypertension.
Diagnostics of
Scanning of MRI does not allow to determine the exact cause of education in the form of a cyst.
In the event that the patient does not bother, no medical measures are taken. It requires only a regular examination of the brain to monitor the reduction in the size of the tumor.
Can also prescribe a biopsy - examination of the cyst tissue for the presence of cancer cells and for differentiating the etiology of this formation.
In the process of examination, cystic education should necessarily be differentiated with malignant brain formations.
In the immediate vicinity of the pineal body is the pituitary gland. Symptoms of a pituitary tumor, as well as methods for its diagnosis, are described in detail in this section.
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Pineal Gland Cyst: Risk and Forecasts
Brain hydrocephalus is a disease that in rare cases can provoke a pineal gland cyst. This occurs as a result of fluid accumulation in the brain regions.
Cysts have no dynamics to their development and growth, so they can hardly affect the work of some parts of the head.
Treatment of
In some cases, even a diagnostic scan does not provide an accurate explanation of the origin of the cyst. To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy is done and the tissue is examined for oncology and the etiology of the disease.
Usually, it is not necessary to treat the epiphysis cyst, so conservative medical methods of treatment of the disease do not apply. If the cyst is caused by echinococcus, it grows dynamically and its dimensions increase, the symptoms of the disease still exist - the operation is necessary.
All specialists are convinced that the constant monitoring of cystic formation in the brain and the condition of the gland as a whole. It should be monitored for the size of the pineal gland cyst and its changes once every six months, by monitoring with MRI monitoring.
If cyst formation occurs as a result of echinococcosis, remove the cyst. With the bright symptoms of the disease and the absence of other indications for the operation, as well as for the relief of the symptoms of the disease, usual medication is prescribed.
Cyst removal
In the case of an echinococcus, the causative agent of the disease, drug treatment is effective at the outset of the disease.
A large cyst is necessarily removed. Only in this way can you completely get rid of the disease and get well.
Operative intervention for the patient to some extent has its own risk.
Until now, there are no known factors that are capable of encouraging the appearance of this disease.
Surgical intervention is carried out in the case of:
- possible development of hydrocephalus;
- of bright symptoms;
- effects on the heart, on the cardiovascular system;
- effect on neighboring areas of the brain.
If the patient is sick, has weakness and vomiting, urgent surgery is simply necessary. In the event that the cystic formation blocks the outflow of the hormone, a person can fall asleep with a lethargic sleep or fall into a coma. This is very dangerous, so remove the cyst should be as soon as possible.
As a rule, the pineal gland cysts are used only if the benefits of surgical intervention exceed the risk of the disease. It's no secret that brain surgery is one of the most dangerous.
Video that tells what is responsible for the pineal gland( epiphysis) in the human body: