[2][3] It occurs when the Rathke's pouch does not develop properly and ranges in size from 2 to 40 mm in diameter.

[3] Asymptomatic cysts are commonly detected during autopsies in 2 to 26 percent of individuals who have died of unrelated causes.

[3] If a cyst adds pressure to the optic chiasm, it may cause visual disturbances, pituitary dysfunction and headaches.

[2] The majority of pituitary patients with chronic headaches have Rathke's cleft cysts.

[5][6] Radical excision is more dangerous because of the potential of damaging the patient's pituitary function e.g. ADH storage and lowering growth hormone production.