Question 1

we just found that my wife, age 58, has a "golf ball" sized arachnoid cyst in her left frontal area.  could this create personality changes?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Yes, it is possible if there is significant involvement of the cortex (grey matter) of certain brain lobes (frontal, temporal, for example).

Question 2

brain ct revealed i have 4-cm sized arachnoid cyst in lt temporal fossa.28 yrs old male with no symptoms except headache once a month.how to deal ?

Accepted Answer

Arachnoid cyst: A 4cm cyst in the temporal fossa with no symptoms would not be surgically treated, headaches are unlikely related to it.

Question 3

at what size is an arachnoid cyst considered large?

Accepted Answer

: Usually 3cm and above is considered large enough to be treated but a smaller size can become a problem depending on the location. Most arachnoid cysts do not need treatment

Question 4

scan  at 32 wk shows arachnoid cyst  6.5 * 2.5 cm in brain.on follow up scan at 34 weeks its size is 7.5* 2.8cm with slight compression.what to do?

Accepted Answer

Need more info: Fetal or newborn?  What is happening with head size?  Ventricle size?  Rest of body systems?  Why was initial ultrasound done?  What has changed clinically?

Question 5

arachnoid cyst found in ct. was told this was common and typically found incidentally. does this develop to cancer? size of a quarter. does it grow?

Accepted Answer

CanGrow ButNotCancer: Most Arachnoid Cysts are asymptomatic and are left alone..In cases where symptoms occur like Headaches,Seizures and abnormal accumulation of excessive cerebrospinal fluid in the brain called Hydrocephalus are common.Yes it can grow bigger but the rate of growth is rather slow.It does not develop in Cancer

Question 6

how accurate are ct contrast in measuring size of arachnoid cyst / identifying compression of it on the brain?

Accepted Answer

Acceptable: The CAT scan can demonstrate the presence and general effect of such a cyst, but the MRI would be preferable due to superior resolution, and precision.

Question 7

i have an arachnoid cyst at the right temporal lobe, and have received differing opinions on whether or not i am able to take up recreational scuba diving. the cyst is roughly the size of an egg or golf ball and is asymptomatic.

Accepted Answer

Neurosurgeon: Did you have symptoms which prompted the ordering of the imaging studies?  recommend consulting a neurosurgeon at a university hospital for an opinion. Bring MRI or ct scans with you for the evaluation.

Question 8

i am diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst in my left frontal lobe. 1st mri showed the size: 9243*42mm. recent mri showed the size: 98*45*35. i tolerated steroids for four days just. now having bad headaches. shunt surgery is really the only option?

Accepted Answer

: It is not feasible to comment on the need for surgery in absence of imaging review and history and physical exam.  Most arachnoid cysts are lifelong and relatively benign.  I would seriously doubt that it is causing your headaches, unless, you now have a mass effect causing increased intracranial pressure.  Maybe, a virtual consult can help (www.connect@healthtap.com)

Question 9

my neuro says he is sure there is slight compression of an arachnoid cyst that is 30mm by 18mm left parietal lobe, how can he tell? my mri mentioned just the size but a ct mentioned discrete mass effect 8 months later, does this mean growth?

Accepted Answer

: Tough to compare size on CAT scan vrs MRI.  Since you appear so worried and focused, suggest you see a neurosurgeon for a second opinion regarding the best ways to objectify and manage this arachnoid cyst.

Question 10

heard the term arachnoid cyst- info please. ?

Accepted Answer

Spinal fluid balloon: Arachnoid is a membrane in the nervous system which is in contact with spinal fluid. Sometimes the fluid is entrapped in folds of the arachnoid causing a pocket of fluid to form either in skull or spinal canal. At times the cyst can enlarge causing brain or spinal cord compression. Arachnoid cysts can be present at birth or develop later.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Arachnoid cyst size

A member asked:

We just found that my wife, age 58, has a "golf ball" sized arachnoid cyst in her left frontal area. could this create personality changes?

A member asked:

Brain ct revealed i have 4-cm sized arachnoid cyst in lt temporal fossa.28 yrs old male with no symptoms except headache once a month.how to deal ?

A member asked:

At what size is an arachnoid cyst considered large?

A member asked:

Scan at 32 wk shows arachnoid cyst 6.5 * 2.5 cm in brain.on follow up scan at 34 weeks its size is 7.5* 2.8cm with slight compression.what to do?

A member asked:

Arachnoid cyst found in ct. was told this was common and typically found incidentally. does this develop to cancer? size of a quarter. does it grow?

A member asked:

How accurate are ct contrast in measuring size of arachnoid cyst / identifying compression of it on the brain?

A member asked:

I have an arachnoid cyst at the right temporal lobe, and have received differing opinions on whether or not i am able to take up recreational scuba diving. the cyst is roughly the size of an egg or golf ball and is asymptomatic.

A member asked:

I am diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst in my left frontal lobe. 1st mri showed the size: 9243*42mm. recent mri showed the size: 98*45*35. i tolerated steroids for four days just. now having bad headaches. shunt surgery is really the only option?

A member asked:

My neuro says he is sure there is slight compression of an arachnoid cyst that is 30mm by 18mm left parietal lobe, how can he tell? my mri mentioned just the size but a ct mentioned discrete mass effect 8 months later, does this mean growth?

A member asked:

Heard the term arachnoid cyst- info please. ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?

I am diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst in my left frontal lobe. 1st mri showed the size: 924342mm. recent mri showed the size: 9845*35. i tolerated steroids for four days just. now having bad headaches. shunt surgery is really the only option?