Knowing Your Epidermoid Cyst Care is in the Right Hands
Superior Treatment for Patients with Epidermoid Cysts
As one of the most comprehensive brain tumor programs in the United States, the Pacific Brain Tumor Center at Pacific Neuroscience Institute (PNI) offers world-class expert care. Ranked in the top 1% of neurology and neurosurgery programs in the nation, our center’s compassionate multidisciplinary specialists provide advanced, personalized treatment while focusing on our patients’ quality of life.
Affiliated with award-winning Providence hospitals Saint John’s Health Center and Little Company of Mary, PNI neurosurgeons lead the way in advancing safer, more effective keyhole and minimally invasive endoscopic brain tumor removal approaches.
If you, a family member, or friend have a new diagnosis, require a second opinion, or have a brain tumor or skull base tumor recurrence, our expert physicians can help you understand your condition and determine an optimal treatment plan.
Think Brain Tumor. Think PNI.
Contact Us
For information about brain tumor treatment please complete the form below. We will respond to you within 12-24 hours. To speak with someone right away contact us at 213-855-2368.
Symptoms
As the epithelial lining continues to produce the soft white keratin material, the cyst puts pressure on the adjacent brain structures and cranial nerves.
This cyst expansion can lead to:
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Imbalance
- Visual loss
- Double vision
- Seizures depending upon the cyst location
Some epidermoid cysts can rupture and result in a meningitis-type reaction from inflammation.
Diagnosis
What do I do if I have these symptoms?
These cystic tumors are typically diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) scans of the brain.
Depending upon the location of an epidermoid cyst, a focused MRI of the pituitary region or internal auditory canals may be indicated to obtain better anatomical detail.
Treatments
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally not used for treating epidermoid cysts.
Epidermoid Cysts Removal
Epidermoid cyst surgery is required to remove large epidermoid tumors causing symptoms and is generally quite successful in resolving symptoms.
Because the cyst lining can be very adherent to the brain structures, cranial nerves and blood vessels, a complete cyst removal may not be possible in many patients. If only a subtotal removal is accomplished, follow-up MRIs are necessary for many years to monitor for recurrence.
Our Physicians
Click on our award-winning physicians below to learn more about them:
Patient Experience
Akiko’s Story – CNS Lymphoma
Experience Akiko’s recovery from CNS Lymphoma.
Justine’s Story – metastatic melanoma
Experience an actual account of metastatic melanoma.
Chris’ Story- Meningioma Brain Tumor
Experience and actual account of meningioma.
The Pacific Brain Tumor Center
Meet Dr. Daniel F. Kelly
Akiko’s Story | CNS Lymphoma
Justine’s Story | Metastatic Melanoma
Chris’ Story | Meningioma
The Pacific Brain Tumor Center
