What are Rathke’s cleft cysts?
A Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC) is a benign fluid-filled sack that forms near the pituitary gland at the base of the skull. These cysts are present at birth (congenital) and usually form when an extra piece of the Rathke pouch connects to the pituitary gland during fetal development. Rathke’s cleft cysts are incredibly rare and often don't cause any symptoms until adulthood. Some cases of RCC don't require any treatment, however larger cysts may cause pituitary symptoms. The pituitary gland produces hormones that impact nearly every area of the body, so any disruption in that area can lead to different symptoms.
A Rathke’s cleft cyst is treated by a doctor who specializes in neurological disorders. Neurologists at the Penn Pituitary Center are among the leading specialists in the nation for diagnosing and treating Rathke's cleft cyst. We're one of the only treatment centers in the country dedicated to the treatment of pituitary disorders.
Symptoms of Rathke’s cleft cyst
In many cases, Rathke’s cleft cysts don't cause any symptoms. When they get large enough, however, they can press against the optic nerves and the pituitary gland, causing symptoms related to vision or hormone production.
Optic nerve pressure
Pressure on the optic nerves can cause:
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness and disorientation
- Fatigue
- Changes in mood
Pituitary gland pressure
Pressure on the pituitary gland can cause:
- Puberty and growth issues in children
- Disruption in menstrual cycles
- Low blood pressure
- Constipation and other stomach issues
- Decreased sex drive
- Excessive weight gain
While these symptoms may be concerning, your care team can help you manage or even eliminate them. The Penn Pituitary Center has a team of specialists from different clinical areas, including endocrinology, neurosurgery, and otolaryngology (ENT medicine), who can treat the full range of your symptoms and improve your well-being.
What causes Rathke’s cleft cyst?
Rathke’s cleft cysts form in the womb when a piece of the Rathke pouch joins with the pituitary gland. The Rathke’s pouch is supposed to close early in fetal development, but a piece sometimes gets left behind, which can cause a cyst to form.
How are Rathke’s cleft cysts diagnosed?
Rathke’s cleft cysts are diagnosed through a combination of blood tests to measure changes in hormone levels and imaging tests to identify the size and location of the cyst. Your doctor may also check your vision to see if there is any pressure on your pituitary gland or optic nerve.
Treatment for Rathke’s cleft cyst
Smaller Rathke’s cysts that don't have any symptoms usually don't need treatment. These are non-cancerous cysts and won't cause any problems if they don't press on the pituitary gland or any part of the brain. Cysts larger than one centimeter are often symptomatic and may need surgery.
The surgeons at Penn Pituitary Center specialize in minimally invasive removal of pituitary tumors and cysts. They perform hundreds of procedures each year and can often remove cysts through the nose to minimize pain and recovery time while providing quick relief from symptoms.