CNS & pituitary tumors
Cysts
Rathke cleft cyst
Author: Eman Abdelzaher, M.D., Ph.D.
Last author update: 1 February 2012
Last staff update: 24 September 2020
Copyright: 2002-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: "Rathke cleft cyst"
Table of Contents
Definition / general | Gross description | Microscopic (histologic) description | Positive stains | Differential diagnosisCite this page: Abdelzaher E. Rathke cleft cyst. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/cnstumorrathkecyst.html. Accessed March 22nd, 2023.
Definition / general
- Mucus containing cyst arising from Rathke cleft remnants
- Intrasellar or suprasellar
- Incidental postmortem finding
- Larger cysts, usually in adults, may be symptomatic
Gross description
- Thin walled, mucinous contents
Microscopic (histologic) description
- Lined by columnar ciliated epithelium with goblet cells
- Variable fragments of pituitary tissue, squamous metaplasia, xanthogranulomatous reaction
Differential diagnosis
- Craniopharyngioma, papillary
- Normal intermediate lobe cysts: small, asymptomatic, lack goblet cells and cilia
