Is there room for stereotactic radiosurgery as an option for third ventricular colloid cysts in patients refusing surgery? A case report and some therapeutic considerations

BACKGROUND: Colloid cysts of the third ventricle are epithelium-lined mucus-filled cysts usually occurring in the anterosuperior third ventricle. They are benign, slow-growing lesions but with the risk of sudden death. Treatment alternatives for symptomatic cysts include stereotactic aspiration, microsurgical or endoscopic approaches, and shunts for hydrocephalus. CASE DESCRIPTION: The current case describes a patient presenting with hydrocephalus and a colloid cyst. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed as the patient refused a definitive surgical procedure for the removal of the cyst, and stereotactic radiosurgery was then performed. CONCLUSIONS: Stereotactic radiosurgery may be a reasonable alternative with minimal risks in those patients harboring a third ventricle colloid cyst refusing a definitive surgical procedure for resection of the cyst.