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What Do My Lab Test Reports Indicate?
Question: I was diagnosed with a 3mm Pineal Cyst in 2010 as an incidental finding on an MRI when I was being seen for Migraines. I was told it was small and nothing should be done. Then last month a sinus CT scan showed it had grown to 1cm. I have constant dull headaches that vary in intensity and occasional dizziness. I have extreme fatigue and nausea. My primary didn't even know who to send be to for follow up. I feel I should at least be under a neurologist and monitor with MRI's periodically.
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Pineal cysts are a common finding which usually is harmless and doesn't cause any symptoms unless of a big size. Usually they are not intervened as long as they remain under 2 cm, so shouldn't be necessary in your case, no panic.
However since there is an increase in size, evaluation with periodical MRIs is recommended, you are correct about that. Usually it is recommended for the MRI to be done once a year, although opinions on the interval vary from 6months to 2 years.
I think the first should be scheduled from now though, because a CT is not the best exam to evaluate the cyst, so a MRI is better both to evaluate the size as well the relationship with adjacent structures (whether it can be responsible for compression which could be responsible for the headaches - if 1 cm shouldn't be the case though).
As for whom to be followed from, either a neurologist or a neurosurgeon are the most qualified specialists to evaluate your problem, I would go with a neurologist.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Pineal cysts are a common finding which usually is harmless and doesn't cause any symptoms unless of a big size. Usually they are not intervened as long as they remain under 2 cm, so shouldn't be necessary in your case, no panic.
However since there is an increase in size, evaluation with periodical MRIs is recommended, you are correct about that. Usually it is recommended for the MRI to be done once a year, although opinions on the interval vary from 6months to 2 years.
I think the first should be scheduled from now though, because a CT is not the best exam to evaluate the cyst, so a MRI is better both to evaluate the size as well the relationship with adjacent structures (whether it can be responsible for compression which could be responsible for the headaches - if 1 cm shouldn't be the case though).
As for whom to be followed from, either a neurologist or a neurosurgeon are the most qualified specialists to evaluate your problem, I would go with a neurologist.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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