Pat ElliottExpertHERWriterGuideBlogger(reply to Anonymous)
Hi Anon - Thank you for writing to us and sharing your story. It's easy to see why getting this type of information would concern you and spark a lot of questions.
First, you asked about some definitions. An epidermoid brain cyst is an uncommon, benign cyst. Surgery is usually needed for large epidermoid tumors that are causing symptoms for the patient. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally not used for treating epidermoid cysts.
An arachnoid cyst is also a benign cyst and most are developmental anomalies. In most cases there are no symptoms even when the arachnoid cysts are quite large. There is disagreement within the medical community about treatment. Some advocate that asymptomatic cysts do not need to be removed. Others believe all such cysts should be removed to avoid future complications.
Each person's experience is going to be unique, so it's hard to predict what yours will be. You can learn more about EmpowHer member Maria Richmond's experience with an arachnoic cyst, and her advice for others, here:
Obviously the type of cyst you're dealing with, as well as the size and location, won't be clear until after you have the MRI. Will you write back to us with that information? Until we know more about exactly what you're dealing with it will be difficult to research information for you or help you locate resources.
Good luck to you as you go through the exam. We will be waiting to hear back from you and are here to help you so you're not going through this alone.
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Hi Anon - Thank you for writing to us and sharing your story. It's easy to see why getting this type of information would concern you and spark a lot of questions.
First, you asked about some definitions. An epidermoid brain cyst is an uncommon, benign cyst. Surgery is usually needed for large epidermoid tumors that are causing symptoms for the patient. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally not used for treating epidermoid cysts.
An arachnoid cyst is also a benign cyst and most are developmental anomalies. In most cases there are no symptoms even when the arachnoid cysts are quite large. There is disagreement within the medical community about treatment. Some advocate that asymptomatic cysts do not need to be removed. Others believe all such cysts should be removed to avoid future complications.
Each person's experience is going to be unique, so it's hard to predict what yours will be. You can learn more about EmpowHer member Maria Richmond's experience with an arachnoic cyst, and her advice for others, here:
https://www.empowher.com/community/share/rare-brain-condition-called-posterior-fossa-arachnoid-cyst-has-wreaked-havoc-my-life
Obviously the type of cyst you're dealing with, as well as the size and location, won't be clear until after you have the MRI. Will you write back to us with that information? Until we know more about exactly what you're dealing with it will be difficult to research information for you or help you locate resources.
Good luck to you as you go through the exam. We will be waiting to hear back from you and are here to help you so you're not going through this alone.
Take good care,
January 12, 2010 - 6:24pmPat
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