I am 66 years old and discovered I had an arachnoid cyst of the left poster fossa two years ago. It explains the recurring symptoms I have experienced for 20 years: headaches, gait problems, memory loss, dizziness, and hearing loss. However, two neurosurgeons and two neurologists have all practically laughed at me for thinking the cyst was the cause, saying the cyst is benign. Apparently it has been showing on my MRIs for many years without being worthy of mention. I’m not sure where to turn. I’m trying to understand how such an evaluation can be made. Is it based simply on some (many?) doctor’s belief that all arachnoid cysts are benign, or does a reading of the MRI bestow that knowledge? Do large medical centers such as Mayo evaluate them in a different way? I would be willing to travel if I had the hope of receiving at least confirmation rather than ridicule.