Information and Questions and answer about ovarian cysts
1. What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a small sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of your ovaries. There are different types of ovarian cysts, most of which are painless and noncancerous or a benign Ovarian cyst. Ovarian cysts don’t always cause symptoms. You likely won’t know you have one unless your healthcare provider finds one during a pelvic exam or pelvic ultrasound. Rarely, ovarian cysts can cause complications. Scheduling regular pelvic exams and speaking with your provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing can help manage things
Ovarian cysts are extremely common, especially if you haven’t gone through menopause yet. Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts- They form in response to your body’s changes during your menstrual cycle. Less commonly, ovarian cysts form for reasons unrelated to your period.
-Functional ovarian cysts:
functional cysts are
are also called simple cysts
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst. They occur as a result of ovulation. These cysts can be a sign that your ovaries are functioning as they should. generally shrinks over time, usually within 60 days, without treatment. Sometimes, which is a small sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of your ovaries. There are different types of ovarian cysts, most of which are painless and noncancerous (benign)
2. the two types of functional/simple cysts are
1. Follicular cysts :
A small sac in your ovary, called a follicle, releases an egg each month as part of your menstrual cycle. A follicular cyst forms when the follicle doesn’t release an egg. Instead, the follicle fills with fluid and forms a cyst.
2.Corpus luteum cysts :
After the follicle releases an egg, it forms a hormone-producing structure called the corpus luteum. If conception doesn’t take place, the corpus luteum dissolves. But sometimes, instead of breaking down, it fills with fluid and forms a cyst.
**Not all ovarian cysts form in response to your menstrual cycle. They aren’t always signs of disease, but your provider may want to monitor them to ensure that they don’t cause complications.
3. The four other types of cysts That are more difficult and dangerous to have are
1.Cystadenomas:
These cysts form on the surface of your ovary. They can be filled with fluid that’s thin and watery or thicker and mucous-like.
2.Dermoid cysts : (teratomas
Dermoid cysts contain cells similar to the tissue in your hair, teeth or skin. They’re smooth, rubbery and noncancerous.
3.Endometriomas :
These cysts are filled with menstrual blood and are typically a sign of having endometriosis.
4. Ovarian cancer cysts : Unlike the conditions above, ovarian cancer cysts are solid masses of cancer cells. This can happen at any age, but are more common after menopause.
4. Are ovarian cysts serious?
Usually, no. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, and they often eventually go away on their own. Some types of cysts are more likely to become cancerous or cause complications, but this is rare. Less than 1% of ovarian cysts are cancerous. Your healthcare provider can closely monitor any concerning cysts to reduce your risk of experiencing complications.
5. What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Some smaller cysts cause no symptoms. In these cases, you may not even know you have a cyst. Larger cysts may cause:
-Pelvic pain or a dull ache in your back
-A feeling of fullness (bloating in your lower belly) — it may feel more pronounced on one side of your body
-Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
-Painful periods and/or irregular periods
-Trouble pooping or needing to pee frequently
Symptoms that linger could indicate a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that causes irregular menstrual cycles and an increase in androgens that may cause cystic acne, difficulty with conception and weight gain.
6. What does an ovarian cyst feel like?
The experience of having an ovarian cyst varies from person to person. You may feel:
-No pain at all
-Mild discomfort or a feeling of fullness
-Pain that could be described as sharp or like a dull ache
-Discomfort or pain that comes and goes without explanation
-Pain during certain parts of your menstrual cycle.
7. What causes an ovarian cyst?
Ovulation is the leading cause of ovarian cysts. It’s a natural process that happens during your menstrual cycle. Other causes include:
Abnormal cell reproduction. Unusual cell reproduction can cause dermoid cysts or cystadenomas to form.
Endometriosis. Endometriomas (or chocolate cysts) often form on your ovary if you have advanced endometriosis.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause multiple small cysts to form on your ovaries.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Severe pelvic infections can spread to your ovaries, causing cysts.
8. What are the risk factors for ovarian cysts?
Anyone with ovaries can develop an ovarian cyst. Your chances increase based on your:
- Age. Ovarian cysts are more common if you haven’t gone through menopause.
- Pregnancy status. Cysts are more likely to form and remain during pregnancy.
- History of ovarian cysts. You’re more likely to have an ovarian cyst if you’ve had one before.
- Current medical conditions. You’re more likely to get an ovarian cyst if you have endometriosis, PCOS or another hormone disorder.
- Fertility medication. You’re more likely to get a cyst if you’re taking medications to help with ovulation, like clomiphene (Clomid©).
9. What are the complications of an ovarian cyst?
Most cysts don’t cause any serious complications. Your healthcare provider can let you know if they think an ovarian cyst is likely to lead to complications.
Some of the most common complications are:
- Cancer. Ovarian cysts that develop after menopause are more likely to be cancerous than cysts that form before menopause.
- Ruptured ovarian cyst. Functional cysts commonly rupture (break open) without causing any symptoms. But sometimes, a ruptured cyst can cause severe pain, dizziness or weakness. The larger it is, the greater likelihood it has of breaking.
- Ovarian torsion. Cysts can grow so big that they distort the shape of your ovary, increasing the likelihood that it’ll twist. The twisting can prevent blood flow to your ovary, causing it to die. Extreme pain, nausea and vomiting are all signs of ovarian torsion.
Seek medical assistance right away if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion.
10. What does a burst ovarian cyst feel like?
A ruptured or burst ovarian cyst typically feels like sudden, sharp pain in your pelvis (typically lower and off to the side). The pain is often intense and severe. Other symptoms of a burst ovarian cyst are:
-Vaginal bleeding
-Nausea or vomiting
-Bloating or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen
-Pressure or aching in your abdomen
11. How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will first rule out pregnancy as the cause of your symptoms by giving you a pregnancy test. Then, they may use the following tests to diagnose an ovarian cyst:
A pelvic exam. Your provider will feel inside your pelvis for any lumps or changes.
Ultrasound. This imaging procedure uses sound waves to create images of your pelvic organs. It can detect cysts on your ovaries, including their locations and whether they’re primarily fluid or solid.
Laparoscopy. This is a procedure performed in an operating room. Your provider inserts a camera through an incision (cut) in your abdomen and can view your reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. If your provider diagnoses a cyst at this time, they can remove it.
12. How is an ovarian cyst treated?
Treatment will depend on factors like your symptoms, the type of cyst and what’s causing it. Options could include monitoring the cyst over time, medication or surgery to remove the cyst. Treatment can also depend on your age and if you’ve reached menopause.
Watchful waiting
Functional ovarian cysts usually go away without treatment. If your cyst is likely functional, your provider may suggest a wait-and-see approach. You may have a follow-up ultrasound within a few weeks or months after your diagnosis to see if your cyst is getting larger, smaller or changing in any other way. This is typically the first treatment approach since most ovarian cysts are small and benign.
Ovarian cyst medications
Your provider may give you medications containing hormones (such as birth control pills) to stop ovulation and prevent future cysts from forming.
Ovarian cyst surgery :
If a cyst is causing symptoms and getting bigger, you may need surgery to remove it. The type of surgery depends on the size of the cyst and how it appears on the ultrasound. The different procedures used include:
Laparoscopic surgery :
This is a procedure where your provider inserts a small camera through a small incision in your abdomen. They view your reproductive organs and pelvis using the device. A provider can remove the ovarian cyst through tiny incisions (ovarian cystectomy).
Laparotomy:
Your provider may perform this procedure if the cyst is very large or if there are other concerns. It involves making a larger incision in your abdomen.
If your provider suspects a cancerous cy
st, they may consult with a cancer specialist, or gynecological oncologist, about the best treatment options for you.
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