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Brain Tumors/Brain cyst?

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Expert: - 9/16/2009


Question
Hi. I recently asked a question on here but I would like to ask another.

This is what my recent MRI said:

1. There is a small pars intermedia cyst measuring up to 6 mm in diamter. (Rathke's Cleft Cyst)

2. There is a indeterminate 2 mm focus of hypoinensity within the neurohypophysis of the pituitary gland.

I went to a neurologist and he told me that the hypointense area is another cyst. (2 mm)

He also said that because it is so small that it probably can't be dealt with surgically.

Does this type of cyst have a name?

Could this be what is causing my symtoms?

If it can't be dealt with sugically, would I have to do radiation?

Answer
This is actually a question best suited for your neurologist since this is not really a tumor. I have no reason to differ in opinion from your neurologist. A cyst is a cyst. I'm not aware of any special name for this particular one. But it is not within my field of expertise either. If it is this small (1/13 of an inch) it is most unlikely to cause any symptoms.  It could be eliminated radiologically (stereotactic radiation) with either proton beams or the so called GammaKnife but I see NO medical reason to do so and probably your neurologist does not either.

Brain Tumors

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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