Cyst Rathke's pocket: causes and treatment

A Cyst of Rathke pocket — this is a serious pathology of the brain. The increase in size is accompanied by compression of the pituitary gland and optic nerves, which negatively affects the quality of human life. In this article we will try to understand what reasons lead to the appearance of the cyst, what to do with the appearance of its first symptoms.

What is the function of Rathke pocket?

This anatomical structure is emerging in the initial stages of development of the embryo in the womb. Subsequently, it is converted to the anterior pituitary gland of the brain. In normal healthy newborn pocket Rathke is missing. Some people have the particles of the structure remain. They form an independent cavity. It is located in the vicinity of the pituitary gland and serves as a basis for the origin of the cystic masses.

Features of a pathological process

A Cyst of Rathke pocket — this is a benign neoplasm. Inside it is lined with a single layer of epithelium, and the outside is covered with a transparent capsule. The contents of the cyst is a liquid, usually yellow in color. Sometimes a secret has a grayish or bluish tint. On its consistency it can be hard or gelatinous. Many compare the contents of the neoplasm with the engine oil.

What are the factors that provoke the pathology?

The Exact causes of occurrence and development of tumors is not established. Doctors identify a number of factors, whose presence increases the likelihood cyst. Among them include:

• Genetic predisposition;
• Viral diseases with a complicated course;
• Inflammation;
• Hypoxia;
• The intoxication of the organism of the pregnant woman;
• Irradiation, radiation;
• A difficult birth;
• Excessive exposure to UV rays.

A Tumor is formed in the embryonic period. Doctors suggest that his residues begins another structure — the anterior pituitary. A cyst of Rathke's pocket and endocrine glands of the brain have the same origin. Therefore, doctors tend to believe that the pathological tumor and pituitary adenoma can develop in parallel.

Who is at high risk?

Described in the article congenital disorders — infrequent phenomenon. It accounts for only 1% of cases among other neoplasms of benign character. Still, experts managed to identify the group of persons whose members are more susceptible to the development of the disease. It includes:

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1. Women of Mature age. The trend to increase the size of the cyst and the appearance of its symptoms is observed after 40 years.
2. Patients after meningitis or encephalitis of any etiology.
3. Patients with a history of stroke.
4. Workers of harmful chemical production.
5. People who have relatives who were diagnosed with a brain tumor.

A Match on one or more items from the list above indicates an increased risk of developing neoplasms. So people need special attention to treat their own health, it is necessary to pass the examination.

The First manifestation of pathology

A Cyst of Rathke's pocket is characterized by a long asymptomatic course. Often patients are unaware of the presence of such a sinister pathology in the brain. Usually they find out about it after undergoing an MRI or other screening. The first symptoms of the neoplasm manifested as increasing its size. Cyst Rathke's pocket begins to compress the optic nerve and the pituitary gland. The result of developing a pathological disorder in the blood supply of the brain disorder in its basic structures. In addition, the possible occurrence of the following disorders:

• Dizziness;
• Sleep;
• Hallucinations;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Noise in the ears;
• Short-term memory loss;
• Violations of coordination of movements.

80% of patients pathology is accompanied by diseases of the endocrine system. Also, many have noted the emergence of mental disorders, confusion. The degree of manifestation of clinical symptoms depends on the tumor size, pressure on adjacent nerve endings and blood vessels.

Possible complications

The consequences can result in a cyst of Rathke pocket? Dangerous not the tumor, and the rate of growth. Therefore, after identifying the pathology of the patient for some time under the supervision of a physician. During its intense growth is a special operation. The lack of adequate therapy can lead to unpleasant consequences. First, the patient loses his eyesight. Then the clinical picture is complemented by mental disorders and destruction of the pituitary gland. In particularly serious cases, there is degeneration of the cyst to a malignant tumor.

Diagnostic Methods

If you suspect a cyst of Rathke's pocket, the patient first needs to visit an endocrinologist. Sometimes you need additional consultation by a neurologist. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the tumor size, the following diagnostic methods:

1. MRI. This research method is considered the mostinformative. By the pictures the doctor can assess the size, localization and anatomical characteristics of the cyst. All the data required for the subsequent treatment.
2. CT scan. Computer tomography allows to detect calcification. This process usually indicates an alternative diagnosis — craniopharyngeoma.
3. Angiography of brain vessels.

To exclude a malignant tumor, you may require additional examination by a medical oncologist. It usually entails taking puncture for further study of the material in the laboratory.

Conservative treatment

Treatment of pathology determined by the physician. It depends largely on accompanying clinical, health status of the patient and size of the cyst. When asymptomatic pathological process is chosen expectant management. The doctor monitors the patient's state of health, evaluates MRI of the brain in dynamics. If the size of a little education, there are latent symptoms, prescribed hormonal therapy. Preparations are selected individually.

Surgery

A Completely different approach requires increasing size of the cyst of Rathke's pocket. Treatment in this case, also start with hormonal agents. If the therapy is ineffective, the patient becomes worse, surgery will be scheduled. Today in practice, there are two types of surgical procedures, each of which has its own characteristics.

• Classic transfenoidalna operation. Is to remove the cyst through an incision in the bow basin. Access pocket Rathke is only possible through the sphenoid sinus. It is good to see the operating field, the surgeon uses a binocular microscope.
• The Most popular is still laparoscopic surgery. It is performed using special device-endoscope. During surgery, the surgeon can remove the tumor without damaging the vessels and the nerves next to the pituitary gland. In the skull, the doctor enters through the nasal passages.

After removing the cyst all of its contents necessarily sent to the lab. Histological examination of the secret allows you to exclude malignant pathology. Described just above, the options of surgical treatment are the only effective methods of combating such a problem, like a cyst of Rathke's pocket. Treatment of folk remedies is contra-indicated.

Forecast for recovery

The Timely detection of the cysts is the key to a quick recovery of the body. Endocrinopathy or vision problems in some point could become irreversible. Most importantly — not to ignore the advice of a doctor for treatment. Often patients with this diagnosis is assigned to the operation, during which the completely excised cyst of Rathke's pocket. The consequences of the negative character in this case can be reduced to a minimum. The recurrence rate after surgery is less than 5%.