Well encapsulated brain cysts consisting of a layer of connective tissue covered with cells enclosing a gelatinous material.
A colloid cyst is a benign brain cyst which typically occurs in the 3rd ventricle, one of the fluid filled spaces within the brain.
They do not tend to continue to grow in size.
Consist of a thin cyst wall filled with soft material.
It is not known what causes a colloid cyst, but they may be congenital malformations.
Symptomatic cyst sizes range from 6 mm to 9 cm, with a usual range of 1-3 cm.
Lesions usually originate form the roof of the third ventricle posterior to the foramen of Monro.
Lesions of the third ventricle can lead to the development of hydrocephalus.
Histologically benign
Cause is unknown.
Symptoms are headache, limb weakness, and loss of consciousness, related to intermittent episodes of hydrocephalus related to the blockage of the foramen of Monro by the mobile cyst.
Symptoms vary by location and are related to cyst, hydrocephalus, or both.
Rarely can result in acute hydrocephalus that may lead to sudden death.
Imaging by brain MRI and Head CT can indicate the diagnosis.
Small asymptomatic cysts can be observed for enlargement.
Symptomatic cysts can be treated with surgical resection.
Usually open surgical resection is required and microsurgical techniques are used, but recently neuroendoscopic resections have been proven to be effective and safe.