I have vertigo, double vision, sudden strabismus and when standing still I'm swinging.
Had brain MRI: Atypical cystic pineal recess. Follow up with new MRI to clarify.
Could this be cancer, I'm scared, thank you.
Hi Aidera,
Thanks for reaching out to us at Macmillan Cancer Support. I’m Kirstine and I’m one of the information nurses here. I’m sorry to read that you’re having some health worries just now and understand why these symptoms must be quite unsettling. It can be frightening when you are experiencing symptoms of any kind and it’s not unusual to worry about what these might mean.
Pineal cysts are not cancer and are considered to be benign abnormalities, although they can cause troublesome symptoms if they are pressing on areas of the brain. It seems reasonable for your doctor to want to check this with another scan if it looks a little unusual in order to get a better picture and be sure of what they are seeing. They may be wishing to rule out the possibility that it is a pineal tumour. Some pineal tumours are benign, and some might be cancerous.
It can be really difficult coping with uncertainty while you are waiting for the results of tests and investigations. The best person to advise you further on this will be your specialist doctor at the hospital. Unfortunately, we cannot offer any diagnostic advice through this platform. Take good care of yourself and try to find distractions to help you manage the anxiety while you are waiting for news.
Wishing you the very best,
Kirstine – Macmillan
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Our Ref – KDf/ SMc
