Epidermoid cysts are slow-growing tumors in the brain that are commonly found at the bottom part of the head at the top of the spinal cord and in the hollow part of the skull bone that contains the pituitary gland.

Epidermoid cysts make up 1 percent of all tumors inside the head.

Patient Population

Epidermoid cysts are found equally in men and women. They typically do not affect people over the age of 40.

Symptoms of Epidermoid Cysts

The symptoms of epidermoid cysts include general symptoms found with any tumor in the brain including headaches and dizziness.

Additional symptoms associated with these tumors include:

• Facial numbness
• Facial weakness
• Balance difficulty
• Hearing impairment

Cysts may rupture causing symptoms of meningitis including fever and neck stiffness or pain or hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain).

Symptoms of hydrocephalus include:

• Balance difficulties
• Cognitive impairment
• Short-term memory difficulty
• Headaches
• Unable to hold in urine
• Visual blurriness

Diagnosis of an Epidermoid Cyst

Doctors will interview the patient regarding symptoms and perform a physical examination if they suspect an epidermoid cyst is present.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain allows the physicians to get a clear view of the location of the cyst.

Treatment of Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts can be removed during surgery. The details of this surgery should be discussed with your surgeon. The risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed in this meeting as well.