The colloid cyst corresponds to a layer of connective tissue that contains a gelatinous material called colloid inside. This type of cyst can be round or oval and varies in size, however it does not tend to grow much or spread to other parts of the body.
The colloid cyst can be identified:
- In the brain: more precisely in the cerebral ventricles, which are regions responsible for the production and storage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thus, the presence of the cyst can obstruct the passage of the CSF and lead to the accumulation of fluid in this region, causing hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure and, in rarer cases, sudden death. Although it is usually benign and asymptomatic, when diagnosed it is important that the doctor evaluates the size and position of the colloid cyst so that the possibility of obstructing the passage of the CSF is verified and, thus, the treatment can be defined. In the thyroid: The most common type of benign thyroid nodule is the colloid nodule. If a nodule produces thyroid hormones, regardless of the body's need, it is called an autonomous (hot) nodule, and can occasionally lead to hyperthyroidism. If the lump is filled with fluid or blood, it is called a thyroid cyst. Unlike the cyst, the nodule corresponds to a rounded and soft lesion that normally grows and may present a malignant aspect, which is one of the main concerns regarding the appearance of these lesions in the thyroid. They can be perceived by palpating the neck, it is important to consult a doctor so that tests can be requested and the diagnosis can be made. Learn more about the thyroid nodule and how the treatment is done.
Main symptoms
In the brain:
Most of the time the colloid cyst located in the brain is asymptomatic, however some people report some non-specific symptoms, such as:
- Headache; Nausea; Dizziness; Drowsiness; Little forgetfulness; Minor changes in mood and behavior.
Due to the lack of specificity of the symptoms, the colloid cyst in the brain is usually not identified quickly, and the diagnosis is made through imaging tests, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are requested due to other situations.
In the thyroid:
There are no associated symptoms and the cyst is only discovered by palpating the neck. The ultrasound exam is indicated to identify if its borders are rounded which helps to identify if there is a possibility of being cancer or not. The aspiration biopsy helps to identify the content, whether there is liquid, blood or hard tissue inside.
How the treatment is done
In the brain:
The treatment for the colloid cyst located in the brain depends on the symptoms and position the cyst is in. When there are no symptoms, no treatment is established by the neurologist, and only periodic follow-up is carried out to check whether the cyst has grown. When symptoms are verified, treatment is done by surgery, in which the cyst is drained and its wall completely removed. After surgery, it is common for the doctor to send part of the cyst to the laboratory to have the biopsy done and to verify that it is a benign cyst indeed.
In the thyroid:
There is no need to perform any type of treatment if the cyst is benign, and you can only observe whether it is increasing over time or not. If it is very large, more than 4 cm, or if it is causing symptoms, such as pain, hoarseness or hinders to swallow or breathe, surgery to remove the affected lobe may be indicated. If there is uncontrolled production of hormones or if it is malignant, in addition to surgery, treatment with radioactive iodine can be performed.
