Talk:Pineal gland cyst

removed last 2 sentence

"Many neurologist incorrectly state that the cyst is an incidental finding regardless of its size, because that is what is in their database. If the size is larger than .5cm and if there is evidence of narrowing of the aqueduct of sylvius or other obstrcution of Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the cyst may be symptomatic."

The first sentence just doesn't make sense to me, and we are saying that many doctors are wrong - we can't say that only a reliable source can - and the reason given "because that is what is in their database" is at best poorly stated. The second sentence is just repeating previous material. Smallbones (talk) 16:51, 29 May 2009 (UTC)

Cyst vs Tumor

It is a common experience of pineal cyst sufferers to be told by medical specialists that their symptoms are not caused by their cysts (Facebook Private Group Pineal Cysts) despite evidence reported in medical literature that indicates their symptoms are a typical cohort of symptoms frequently associated with symptomatic pineal cysts. "Symptoms Regardless of the type of tumor involved, tumors in the pineal region usually cause symptoms through one of three mechanisms. They can increase pressure in the skull by blocking the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus), they can compress part of the brain, or they can cause disruptions in the endocrine system, the system that controls hormones and includes the pineal gland. Hydrocephalus is a common result of tumors in this region, and will lead first to headaches, and then perhaps to nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. The brainstem and the cerebellum are the most common sites of compression from a pineal region tumor; compression in these regions can cause abnormal eye movements (including Parinaud's syndrome, the inability to look up), double vision, uncoordinated body movements, or unsteady gait. Endocrine dysfunction is less common and usually is caused when the tumor involves the hypothalamus, a nearby brain region that is involved in growth and metabolism" — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mumthink (talk • contribs) 21:09, 13 October 2012 (UTC)

I'd like to clarify that a cyst is not a tumor. It is my understanding that a cyst is fluid filled, whereas a tumor is a solid mass. As for the pineal gland cyst, most are asymptomatic - in other words, individuals lead normal lives with none of those symptoms described by in this article. Right now, there are no known causes of pineal gland cysts. On the flip side, I noticed no one has mentioned that the pineal gland's function is likened to a built in beacon which doesn't seem as crucial to me. To imply that the pineal gland cyst interrupts normal functions of a human's endocrine system is radical to say the least. It is also my understanding that the pineal gland produces the hormone that controls your sleep cycle - the same stuff you take when you can't sleep - Melatonin. It's also my understanding that there's been tremendous improvements in the area of research. Thirty years ago, the course of treatment was radiation. Patients who were treated for this 30+ years ago, had a life expectancy of about five years. What a big difference eh? --Ronewirl (talk) 03:19, 30 October 2012 (UTC)

References