A Spinal Cyst Is Usually Not A Cause For Concern
If you have a spinal cyst, the first reaction might be that any abnormality in the vicinity of the spine represents a real danger. This is a natural reaction, since there are many things which can happen to the spinal column that can result in significant problems, especially if the spinal cord itself is affected.
A spinal cyst is a fluid filled sac which is generally harmless and of little concern unless its size or location causes it to put pressure on tissue which can result in discomfort or pain. A spinal cyst is not the same as a spinal tumor, benign or malignant, and spinal cysts rarely if ever become cancerous. For the most part, they can usually be left alone. If a spinal cyst starts causing problems or pain it can either be treated with injections or surgically removed.
Sebaceous Cysts - A spinal cyst will be one of three different types. It can be a sebaceous cyst, which is a cyst which appears just under the skin. Sebaceous cysts can occur anywhere in the body. They can usually be easily felt, especially when located near the spine where the skin is in close proximity to the vertebrae. Sebaceous cysts rarely require treatment unless removal is desired for cosmetic reasons.
Synovial Cysts - Synovial cysts are found in and around the facet joints of the spine. They are quite common among the elderly as they appear to be a byproduct of general spinal degeneration. Synovial cysts are so named because they are thought to result from the fluid generated by the synovium, a thin tissue located within a facet joint of the spine. This joint is composed of two opposing bone surfaces, each covered with cartilage. The synovium fluid helps lubricate the cartilage and the facet joint, and as the joint begins to deteriorate, usually with advancing age, more of this fluid is produced to keep the joint well lubricated. If an excess of fluid is present, it is believed to lead to the development of a spinal cyst, in this case, a synovial cyst. Synovial cysts usually exhibit no symptoms but in some cases can cause pain, although this is uncommon. Physical therapy is usually the prescribed treatment if a synovial cyst is beginning to cause a problem.
Arachnoid Cysts - The only spinal cyst which can represent a danger is an arachnoid cyst, which is sometimes present in the sheath surrounding the spinal cord. It is of course the close proximity of the arachnoid cyst to the spinal cord that can be a cause for concern, but by and large these cysts are as harmless as any other cyst, and rarely cause a problem. Should surgery ever be required, which fortunately is seldom the case, it could be quite tricky given the proximity to the spinal cord.
Summary - Most of the time when a spinal cyst develops, it turns out to be a sebaceous cyst, the only type of spinal cyst likely to be discovered by a routine examination or self examination. Treatment for this type of a spinal cyst is usually neither needed nor desired. The other two types of cysts, which occur internally on the spine, are rarely discovered at all unless they grow to become very large. Most synovial and arachnoid cysts are discovered in the course of examining the spinal column due to symptoms the cysts themselves are in no way responsible for. In most instances, the determination as to whether treatment is needed, and if so what kind, revolves around the size and location of the cyst relative to the nerves in the spinal column.