A majority of these cysts are asymptomatic and clinically insignificant , though large cysts can compress and damage nerve roots, the spinal cord, or surrounding bone. Radicular neuropathic pain caused by the compression of the nerve root that bears the cyst is the most common symptom . Because of their rarity, cervicothoracic Tarlov cysts may masquerade as tumors (e.g., nerve root sheath tumor) .