I have a cogenital arachnoid cyst that is located in the right frontal convexity/lateral margin of my frontal lobe. The most recent measurements are: 4.5 cm in AP dimension, 2.3 cm in transverse dimension, and 4.1 cm in craniocaudal dimension. The previous measurements were 3.8 X 1.8 X 3.8. So, essentially, the mass increased in size. My report also mentions thinning of the adjacent inner table of the skull and mild mass effect on the adjacent brain. The remainder of the brain is within normal limits.

If this helps, I suffered from 2 bouts of viral meningitis: 7 months and ten years of age.

Is there a cause for concern? Could my arachnoid cyst or viral meningitis be related to chronic depression and anxiety?


Additional Details
I have consulted doctors. Doctors at a hospital in Pittsburgh said it was normal and nothing to worry about. One other, Dr. Shanihan of Cedars-Sinai in CA said that it was the source of my problem and should be removed immediately. Thus, I am uncertain who to believe.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I am from a family that seem to grow cysts and tumors...My cousins and uncles have all been in their head and even within the brain and sucessfully been surgically removed by neurosurgens. The new cyber knife is the way to go...One uncle has one removed the "old way" then two more moved with the old gamma knife. I however have the ones inside the spinal cord, and they say "NO" , so make sure you find a good neurosurgen, I had 4 (four) opinions, better safe than sorry...I'm sure with the right doctor you will be fine...Silver