A pineal gland cyst is a usually benign (non-malignant) cyst in the pineal gland, a small endocrine gland in the brain. Historically, these fluid-filled bodies appeared on of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans, but were more frequently diagnosed at death, seen in of autopsies. A 2007 study by Pu et al. found a frequency of 23% in brain scans (with a mean diameter of 4.3 mm).
The National Organization for Rare Disorders states that pineal cysts larger than 5.0 mm are "rare findings" and are possibly symptomatic. If narrowing of the cerebral aqueduct occurs, many neurological symptoms may exist, including headaches, vertigo, nausea, muscle fasciculations, eye sensitivity, and ataxia. Continued monitoring of the cyst might be recommended to monitor its growth, and surgery may be necessary.Pineal Cysts, Symptomatic, National Organization for Rare Disorders
Treatment
Pineal gland cysts typically require treatment only if they are symptomatic. They can be removed either endoscopically or through a conventional open approach, such as a supracerebellar infratentorial approach.
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References
Further reading
External links Pineal Cyst Images and Radiological Findings radiopaedia.org article - Pineal Cyst Pineal cyst article on Ars-Neurochirurgica