Colloid Cyst Surgery in New Jersey

A severe pressure-like headache may be due to a rare type of tumor, called a colloid cyst. These cysts occur most commonly in the third ventricle, a fluid-filled area deep in the brain, and can cause sudden, obstructive hydrocephalus leading to severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, coma, and death. Patients with colloid cysts need an immediate evaluation to determine if the cyst requires removal to prevent serious complications.

Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO), leaders in minimally invasive brain and spine surgery, are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of colloid cysts, other types of brain tumors, and various complex brain malformations and neurovascular conditions. Located at several offices throughout New Jersey, the award-winning team of neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, and other specialists provides comprehensive and compassionate care. Learn more about colloid cysts and colloid cyst removal surgery from CNSO.

What Is a Colloid Cyst?

A colloid cyst is a rare type of brain tumor, accounting for less than 2% of all brain tumors. Colloid cysts have thin linings filled with a thick, gel-like liquid. They form in one of the ventricles of the brain, usually the third, where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced and transported. Colloid cysts are benign (noncancerous), usually slow-growing, and often do not cause any symptoms.

There are no known causes of colloid cysts. Most people diagnosed with colloid cysts are in their 30s to 70s, but they can happen at any age. It is believed colloid cysts form in the womb when the nervous system develops, but usually do not start causing symptoms until later in life.

Symptoms of Colloid Cysts

Most colloid cysts grow so slowly that they never cause any symptoms. However, some colloid cysts grow larger, eventually disrupting the flow of CSF in the brain. This can result in the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Double vision
• Behavioral changes
• Memory problems
• Syncope, or brief loss of consciousness

Symptomatic colloid cysts can lead to an abnormal CSF buildup called hydrocephalus, which causes harmful pressure on the brain and other symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and difficulty walking. In rare instances, hydrocephalus can lead to death, so patients should seek prompt medical help if they are experiencing symptoms.

Diagnosis of Colloid Cysts

Most colloid cysts are discovered incidentally during imaging of the brain for another reason. This is the case with most asymptomatic colloid cysts due to a lack of symptoms. If a patient has colloid cyst symptoms such as headaches or memory changes, the diagnosis may involve:

• Discussing their health and family records to understand genetic and personal history
• Performing physical and neurological exams to see if symptoms are present
• Imaging scans like CT scans and MRIs to identify cysts, tumors, and other masses

If these diagnostic tests show a colloid cyst, treatment will depend on its size, location, and other factors.

Treatment Options and Colloid Cyst Removal

For diagnosis and treatment of colloid cysts, patients will be referred to a neurologist or neurosurgeon. When colloid cysts are small and not causing symptoms, treatment typically involves active surveillance of the cyst over time. This includes occasional imaging scans to check the size of the cyst and make sure it does not cause further problems. When colloid cysts are symptomatic, surgery to remove the cyst is indicated and should be performed to prevent serious complications. Types of colloid cyst removal surgeries include:

Treatment of Hydrocephalus

If a patient has rapidly developed symptoms from hydrocephalus, the first priority is to treat the life-threatening increase in pressure inside the brain. This is done by inserting a small tube into the blocked ventricle and relieving the pressure. Typically, once the cyst is removed, the normal CSF fluid flow is re-established, and the tube can be removed.

Craniotomy

One method of colloid cyst removal is a craniotomy. This surgical procedure involves opening the skull to give the neurosurgeon access to the affected area. The neurosurgeon makes an incision into the scalp, removing part of the skull called a bone flap. The surgeon removes the cyst and replaces the bone flap.

The neurosurgeon may use either a transcallosal or transcortical approach to remove the cyst, depending on its location. A transcallosal approach splits the two frontal hemispheres of the brain to create a surgical corridor to access the cyst. A transcortical approach makes a surgical corridor directly through the brain cortex to access the lateral ventricle and remove the colloid cyst.

MIS or Keyhole Craniotomy

Using minimally invasive techniques, a small craniotomy is performed, typically not much larger than a burr hole used for endoscopy, and then a small tubular retractor is advanced into the ventricle to visualize the cyst. The cyst is removed through this small tube, which is much less invasive than the traditional craniotomy.

Although this approach is slightly more invasive than endoscopic removal, the likelihood of a complete resection and cure is higher than that of endoscopic removal.

Endoscopic Removal

Another surgical method for colloid cysts is endoscopic surgery. This procedure is less invasive than a craniotomy. Endoscopic surgery involves making a small incision in the scalp and skull and inserting a small tube (endoscope) with a light, camera, and working channel. This tube allows neurosurgeons to visualize the inner parts of the brain and perform cyst removal without needing open surgery.

Stereotactic Aspiration

Stereotactic aspiration is another treatment option for colloid cysts. This process involves removing the contents of the colloid cyst to make it smaller, therefore reducing pressure and other symptoms. Neurosurgeons thread a special needle through an incision in the scalp and a small hole in the skull to reach the cyst and remove some of its tissue.

Why Choose CNSO for Colloid Cyst Removal?

It can be overwhelming for a patient to be diagnosed with a brain tumor or find out they need brain surgery. At Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, leaders in minimally invasive spine and brain surgery, every patient is treated with compassion and given a customized care plan for the best results. With a team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management doctors, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists, CNSO has vast experience that patients can rely on.

Trust CNSO for Colloid Cyst Surgery

Whether discovered incidentally or because of symptoms, colloid cysts need to be monitored and may require treatment to prevent serious or even life-threatening complications. At Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, the dedicated medical team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and other specialists works to ensure every patient receives high-quality care. To learn more about colloid cyst removal surgery in New Jersey, contact CNSO today.