What is Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on the ovary. Ovarian cysts are very common and can occur in women of all ages, although they are most commonly found in women of reproductive age. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and do not cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, they can cause pain or other complications.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
There are several types of ovarian cysts, including:
- Functional cysts: These are the most common type of ovarian cyst and form during the menstrual cycle. There are two types of functional cysts: follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Follicular cysts develop when the sac that normally releases an egg fails to do so, causing it to fill with fluid. Corpus luteum cysts form when the sac that releases an egg seals off and fills with blood.
- Dermoid cysts: These are also called teratomas and are formed from embryonic cells that have the potential to develop into different types of tissue. They can contain hair, skin, teeth, and other tissue.
- Cystadenomas: These cysts develop from the cells on the surface of the ovary and can be filled with fluid or mucus.
- Endometriomas: These are cysts that develop in women with endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it.
- Polycystic ovaries: In this condition, many small cysts develop on the ovaries, leading to hormonal imbalances and difficulties with fertility.
- Hemorrhagic cysts: These cysts are filled with blood and can develop from functional cysts or endometriomas.
- Ovarian torsion cysts: These occur when a cyst causes the ovary to twist, cutting off its blood supply and causing severe pain.
What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst?
Most ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms, and they are often discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic exam or imaging studies. However, some women with ovarian cysts may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis may be sharp, dull, or aching in nature. The pain may be constant or intermittent and can be mild to severe.
- Bloating or swelling in the abdomen.
- Changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, such as heavier or lighter bleeding than usual, irregular periods, or spotting between periods.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowel, which may be a sign of a large cyst pressing on nearby organs.
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant, maybe a sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or other hormonal imbalances.
It’s important to note that these ovarian cyst symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. Additionally, some ovarian cysts, especially larger ones or those that twist or rupture, can cause more severe symptoms such as sudden and severe abdominal pain, fever, and rapid breathing, which may require immediate medical attention.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
There are several causes of ovarian cysts, including:
- Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can cause the development of functional ovarian cysts. These cysts are usually harmless and resolve on their own.
- Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, which can lead to the development of endometriosis or other types of ovarian cysts.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS have hormonal imbalances that can cause the development of multiple small cysts on the ovaries.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the corpus luteum cyst that forms after ovulation can grow larger and persist for several weeks.
- Ovarian cancer: While most ovarian cysts are benign, some can be cancerous.
- Previous ovarian cysts: Women who have had ovarian cysts in the past are more likely to develop them in the future.
- Inherited genetic mutations: Certain genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, can increase a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cysts or ovarian cancer.
What are Treatments for ovarian cyst?
The ovarian cyst treatment depends on several factors, including the size and type of cyst, the woman’s age and overall health, and the presence of symptoms. In many cases, small ovarian cysts that are not causing any symptoms will resolve on their own. Sometime, it may not require any treatment. However, larger cysts or those that are causing symptoms may require medical intervention. Some common treatments for ovarian cysts include:
- Watchful waiting: If the cyst is small and not causing any symptoms, the doctor may recommend monitoring it with periodic ultrasound scans.
- Birth control pills: Hormonal birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent the development of new cysts.
- Laparoscopy: In some cases, the doctor may recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy to remove the cyst.
- Laparotomy: In cases where the cyst is large, cancerous, or causes severe symptoms. The doctor may recommend a more invasive surgery called laparotomy to remove the cyst and, in some cases, the ovary.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended to alleviate pain or discomfort caused by the cyst.
- Drainage: In rare cases, the doctor may recommend draining the cyst using a needle inserted through the skin or during a laparoscopy or laparotomy.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that while most ovarian cysts are benign, some can be cancerous. Women with ovarian cysts should have regular follow-ups with their healthcare provider to monitor any changes. Women who experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, fever, or rapid breathing should seek immediate medical attention as these may be signs of a ruptured cyst or other complications.
Many women get ovarian cysts or harmless ovarian tumors at some point during their reproductive years. Most will never develop ovarian cancer. Contact Dr.Ranjana Dhanu to get the best treatment for ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer.