What are the Differences Between a Brain Cyst and a Brain Tumor?

Brain cysts and brain tumors are actually two different diseases, with different causes and varying degrees of severity. Brain cysts are most likely caused by brain inflammation or trauma, while brain tumors are caused by malignant neoplasms in the brain's blood vessels and nerves. These two diseases have significant differences in their causes and treatment methods.

There are certain distinctions between brain cysts and brain tumors. Brain tumors are solid masses, whereas brain cysts are often fluid-filled. When CT scans reveal solid lesions in the brain, in addition to considering brain tumors, other diseases such as brain cysts must also be taken into account. Further investigation is necessary. The symptoms of brain cysts can sometimes be similar to those of brain tumors, including headaches, vomiting blood, hemiplegia, and other symptoms of intracranial hypertension.

Brain cysts refer to cystic masses formed by brain tissue and its appendages, which produce varying degrees of intracranial pressure symptoms. During the formation of space-occupying lesions, the brain tissue is compressed by the expanding cyst, resulting in a series of compressive symptoms.

Brain tumors are primary intracranial neoplasms that can be either benign or malignant. However, due to the limited space within the cranial cavity, any type of tumor can directly cause local damage to the brain tissue, affect cerebral blood circulation, block cerebrospinal fluid circulation pathways, cause intracranial fluid accumulation or cerebral edema, and pose a threat to the patient's life.

Regardless of whether it is a brain cyst or a brain tumor, both diseases have significant impacts on a person's health, particularly on their intellectual abilities. Therefore, neither brain cysts nor brain tumors should be taken lightly, and active cooperation with doctors for treatment is essential.