Colloid cyst of the third ventricle.

Abstract

Colloid cyst of the third ventricle is a rare, histologically benign but potentially lethal tumor. Two cases reflecting the variability in symptoms, physical findings, and outcome seen with these rare tumors are presented. One patient with classic age of onset in the third to fifth decade of life, symptoms of escalating intermittent headaches, and signs of papilledema and altered level of consciousness had successful surgical removal of the cyst. Another patient with nonspecific symptoms well outside the usual age of onset and without papilledema succumbed to sudden, complete impaction and was not diagnosed until autopsy.