Question 1

i have a rathke cleft cyst, is this something to worry about?

Accepted Answer

Depends on symptoms: A rcc is a benign growth on the pituitary gland that is fluid-filled.  Most are asymptomatic and are found incidentally on a ct or MRI  of the brain.  They are more common in females.  Symptoms are commonly visual or headaches.  Symptomatic cysts should usually be surgically drained with an expected good outcome.

Question 2

i am a 6mm rathke's cleft cyst on my pituitary. do people normally get these removed?

Accepted Answer

Rathke's cleft cyst: Rathke's cleft cyst are not uncommon and and are only removed if they have become symptomatic due to size and compression of surrounding brain structures. A neurosurgeon can evaluate this for you further.

Question 3

what to do if i'm a 6mm rathke's cleft cyst on my pituitary. do people usually get these removed?

Accepted Answer

No: Leave it alone unless you're obviously symptomatic and/or the radiologist is concerned.

Question 4

is rathkes cleft cyst treatable?

Accepted Answer

If symptomatic: Rathke's cleft cyst is a developmental remnant of rathke pouch, a normal structure formed during development of the pituitary gland. Most cysts are found incidentally during MRI scanning for other reasons. 

If the cyst is causing symptoms such as headaches, visual compromise, or is affecting normal pituitary function, the cyst can be removed surgically.

Check with your neurosurgeon.

Question 5

dear doctor, i'm suffering from visual changes, could it be from rathke's cleft cyst?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Rathke's cleft cysts (pituitary gland cyst) are rare, and visual changes are common.  Thus, it is not entirely likely that the visual changes you notice are from such a lesion.  If you are just wondering why you have visual changes, get a proper evaluation by an eye care professional.

Question 6

do you have any suggestions on how i can get a brain mri for free? only went for one mri after rathke cleft cyst surgery. can't afford another mri.

Accepted Answer

Touqh question: Short of going to a public health clinic and if deemed appropriate and your financial status supports your being seen in such a clinic, probably hard to arrange.  However, if your physician deems you need such a test, many physician owned facilities will arrange to do such a test at a reduced cost and sometimes at cost.  Asking honest qeustions of such places is t he best way to figure this out.

Question 7

had transsphnenoidal approach (thru nose) drainage of rathke cleft cyst in '07. can't afford 2nd f-up mri. consequences unlikely? optical migraines?

Accepted Answer

Foundations: You need a follow up mri. Do not be foolish, ask your neurologist about foundations which can assist you with covering most if not all of the cost. Call the radiologist and explain the situation, they might provide a compassion care MRI just asking you to sign a waiver. Lastly, if nothing else, set up low cost repayment plans. Your health is worth more than a piece of green paper.

Question 8

brain mri showed a tiny 4mmx3mm anterolaterally left sided cyst. what sort of cyst would this be called, rathke cleft cyst, arachnoid cyst etc? which?

Accepted Answer

Brain Cysts: Hi,
This depends entirely on the exact/precise location of the cyst ("Anterolateral" is too broad of a region), as well as the "radiographic characteristics", such as density, illumination with MRI weighting, smoothness of borders, etc. Generally, with cysts that are this size, we also look to see if there are prior studies to compare to determine what the diagnosis may be.

Question 9

i have a small rathke cleft cyst (4-5mm), feel sleepy at inappropriate times, have very dry skin, eds and suffer migraines during which i lose my vision. does the eds make it likely to burst? should i have it removed even if my normal vision is fine?

Accepted Answer

Rathke Cleft Cyst: A Rathke Cleft Cyst is a cyst that forms between the anterior and posterior pitutary gland.  They are rare.   Here are two websites about Rathke Cleft Cysts http://pituitary.ucla.edu/rathkes-cleft-cyst and https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/nervous_system_disorders/rathke_cleft_cysts_134,86 .  Consider a HealthTap Prime consult with a neurosurgeon or neurologist.

Question 10

can a rathke's cleft cyst cause weight loss, speech & balance problems, pins & needles all over, general unwell? - high prolactin, tsh, fsh & norm t4.

Accepted Answer

Pituitary Hormones: A Rathke Cleft Cyst typically occurs around the pituitary gland and can affect all the hormones the pituitary gland produces.  These hormones include: Prolactin, TSH (thyroid), Growth Hormone, LH &amp; FSH, ACTH (Cortisol) and ADH (vasopressin) (antidiuretic hormone).  Talk to your doctor about an abnormal cortisol level (adrenal insufficiency) or ADH (vasopressin) (diabetes insipidus) given your current symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

Rathke cleft cyst

A member asked:

I have a rathke cleft cyst, is this something to worry about?

A member asked:

I am a 6mm rathke's cleft cyst on my pituitary. do people normally get these removed?

A member asked:

What to do if i'm a 6mm rathke's cleft cyst on my pituitary. do people usually get these removed?

A member asked:

Is rathkes cleft cyst treatable?

A member asked:

Dear doctor, i'm suffering from visual changes, could it be from rathke's cleft cyst?

A member asked:

Do you have any suggestions on how i can get a brain mri for free? only went for one mri after rathke cleft cyst surgery. can't afford another mri.

A member asked:

Had transsphnenoidal approach (thru nose) drainage of rathke cleft cyst in '07. can't afford 2nd f-up mri. consequences unlikely? optical migraines?

A member asked:

Brain mri showed a tiny 4mmx3mm anterolaterally left sided cyst. what sort of cyst would this be called, rathke cleft cyst, arachnoid cyst etc? which?

A member asked:

I have a small rathke cleft cyst (4-5mm), feel sleepy at inappropriate times, have very dry skin, eds and suffer migraines during which i lose my vision. does the eds make it likely to burst? should i have it removed even if my normal vision is fine?

A member asked:

Can a rathke's cleft cyst cause weight loss, speech & balance problems, pins & needles all over, general unwell? - high prolactin, tsh, fsh & norm t4.

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