Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

 

Ovarian cysts are sacs in or on the surface of an ovary that are often filled with fluid. There are two ovaries in females. On either side of the uterus lies an ovary.

The female reproductive system includes two almond-shaped organs called ovaries. One is located on either side of the womb, also known as the uterus. The ovaries are where eggs grow and develop. Monthly cycles of egg release occur during the childbearing years.
Cysts in the ovaries are prevalent. The cysts are usually innocuous, and you experience little to no discomfort. Without treatment, the majority of cysts disappear in a few months.

However, ovarian cysts can occasionally twist or burst. Serious symptoms may result from this. Get regular pelvic exams and be aware of the symptoms that could indicate a significant issue to protect your health.

 There are various forms of cysts. The most common kinds are symptomless and harmless and eventually disappear without medical intervention. Cysts can occasionally result in issues that need to be addressed by your provider. You can lower your risk of developing cystic problems by undergoing routine pelvic exams.

Also Read: High Cholesterol: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a small sac that develops on or inside one or both of your ovaries and is filled with fluid or semisolid substances. Ovarian cysts come in a variety of forms, the majority of which are benign (painless) and noncancerous. Symptoms of ovarian cysts are not always present. Unless your doctor discovers one during a pelvic exam or pelvic ultrasound, you probably won't have one.

Ovarian cysts can occasionally result in difficulties. You can resolve any issues with an ovarian cyst by scheduling routine pelvic checks and discussing any symptoms you may be having with your healthcare professional.

Ovarian cysts are persistent, particularly in those who have not yet experienced menopause.

Ovarian cyst types:

The majority of ovarian cysts are functioning. During your menstrual cycle, they develop in reaction to the changes in your body. Ovarian cysts are less frequently caused by factors other than your menstrual cycle.




Functional ovarian cysts 

The most common types of ovarian cysts are functional cysts, which are unrelated to the disease. Ovulation is the cause of them. These cysts may indicate that your ovaries are operating normally. If functional cysts are left untreated, they normally go away in 60 days. Simple cysts are another name for functioning cysts. Among them are:

• Cysts in the follicles. Every month, as part of your menstrual cycle, an egg is released from a tiny sac in your ovary called a follicle. When the follicle fails to release an egg, a follicular cyst develops. Rather, a cyst is created when the follicle fills with fluid.

• Cysts in the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a tissue that produces hormones after the follicle releases an egg. The corpus luteum disappears if conception is unsuccessful. However, occasionally it fills with fluid and develops into a cyst rather than dissolving.

Other ovarian cysts

Not all ovarian cyst develops as a result of your menstrual cycle. Although they don't necessarily indicate a sickness, your doctor might want to keep an eye on them to make sure there aren't any issues. Other varieties of ovarian cysts consist of:

• Cystadenomas. Your ovary's surface is where these cysts develop. They can contain a thicker, mucous-like fluid or a thinner, larger one.

• Dermoid cysts (Teratomas) . Cells found in dermoid cysts resemble the tissue found in your skin, hair, or teeth. They are noncancerous, rubbery, and smooth.

• Endometriomas. These cysts, which are usually indicative of endometriosis, are filled with menstrual blood.

• Cysts of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer cysts are solid masses of cancer cells, in contrast to the situations mentioned above. This can happen at any age but are more common after menopause.

Do ovarian cysts pose a serious risk?

No, usually. The majority of ovarian cysts are benign and frequently resolve on their own. Although it is uncommon, certain cyst types have a higher risk of developing cancer or developing problems. Cancerous ovarian cysts make up less than 1% of cases. To lower your chance of issues, your healthcare practitioner can keep a careful eye on any suspicious cysts.

Symptoms:

The majority of ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and resolve on their own. However, a big ovarian cyst may result in:

• Pelvic pain may be intermittent. On one side, you can have a sharp pain or a dull discomfort beneath your belly button.
• Heaviness, pressure, or fullness in the abdomen.
• Bloating.

Get medical attention right once if you have:

• Abrupt, intense pain in the pelvis or abdomen.
• Discomfort accompanied by vomiting or fever.
• Symptoms of shock. These include weakness or lightheadedness, clammy, chilly skin, and rapid breathing.

Causes:

The most common cause of ovarian cysts is ovulation. During your menstrual cycle, this normal process takes place. Other reasons are as follows:

• Abnormal cell division. Dermoid cysts or cystadenomas can develop as a result of abnormal cell proliferation.

• Endometriosis. If your endometriosis is advanced, you may develop endometriomas (also known as chocolate cysts) on your ovary.

• PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome. Your ovaries may develop several little cysts as a result of PCOS.

• PID, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Cysts can develop in your ovaries as a result of severe pelvic infections.

Risk factors:

The following factors increase the chance of developing an ovarian cyst:

• Hormone problems. These include using a fertility medication that triggers ovulation, such as letrozole (Femara) or clomiphene.

• Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the follicle that develops during ovulation may remain on the ovary. It may occasionally get bigger.

• Endometriosis. A cyst may form if some of the tissue adheres to your ovary.

• Severe infection of the pelvis. Cysts may develop if the infection extends to the ovaries.

• Previous ovarian cysts. You're more prone to get more ovarian cysts if you've already had one.

Complications:

Although they are uncommon, ovarian cyst problems are possible. These consist of:

• Torsion of the ovaries. The ovary may shift as a result of big cysts. This raises the risk of ovarian torsion, a painful twisting of the ovary. You may experience nausea, vomiting, and abrupt, intense pelvic pain if this occurs. Blood flow to the ovary can also be decreased or stopped by ovarian torsion.

• Cyst rupture. When a cyst ruptures, it can cause severe pain and internal bleeding. The danger of rupture increases with cyst size. The risk of rupture is also increased by vigorous pelvic-related activities, such as vaginal sex.

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will initially give you a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy as the reason for your symptoms. Then, to identify an ovarian cyst, they might employ the following tests:

• A pelvic examination. To check for any lumps or changes, your healthcare professional will feel inside your pelvic.

• Ultrasound. Sound waves are used in this imaging process to produce images of your pelvic organs. It can identify the locations of ovarian cysts and determine whether they are mainly solid or fluid.

• Laparoscopy. An operating room is where this process is carried out. to observe your pelvic cavity and reproductive organs, your healthcare professional makes an incision in your abdomen and inserts a camera. Your doctor can remove the cyst if they find one at this time.

How do you treat an ovarian cyst?

Your symptoms, the type of cyst, and its cause will all affect how you are treated. The cyst may be monitored over time, treated with medicine, or removed surgically. Your age and if you've entered menopause may also affect your course of treatment.


A watchful waiting

Most of the time, functional ovarian cysts resolve on their own. A wait-and-see strategy can be recommended by your clinician if your cyst is probably functioning. Within a few weeks or months of receiving your diagnosis, you might have a follow-up ultrasound to check on any changes to your cyst, including its size. Since the majority of ovarian cysts are benign and tiny, this is usually the first course of treatment.

Medication for ovarian cysts

To stop ovulation and stop cysts from forming in the future, your doctor may prescribe hormone-containing drugs (such as birth control tablets).

Surgery for ovarian cysts

If a cyst is growing larger and producing symptoms, surgery can be necessary to remove it. The size of the cyst and its appearance on the ultrasound determine the sort of surgery that will be performed. Among the different techniques used are:

• Laparoscopic surgeries. A small camera is inserted by your healthcare practitioner through a tiny abdominal incision during this operation. They use the equipment to see your pelvis and reproductive organs. A physician can do an ovarian cystectomy, which involves making microscopic incisions to remove the ovarian cyst.

• Laparotomy. If the cyst is very big or there are additional issues, your doctor might do this treatment. It entails cutting your abdomen more deeply.

Your healthcare provider may speak with a gynecological oncologist or cancer specialist regarding your best course of therapy if they suspect a malignant cyst.

When is it necessary to remove an ovarian cyst?

A few criteria are used by medical professionals to decide whether to remove a cyst:

• Cyst's size. Because larger cysts tend to be uncomfortable, your doctor might advise removing one that is more than 10 cm.

• Symptoms. If the cyst is causing you pain, interfering with your menstruation, or contributing to your inability to conceive, your doctor might advise removal.

• Suspicion of cancer. If there is any suspicion that a cyst is malignant, your doctor might wish to remove it, particularly if you have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

• A type of cyst. Functional cysts usually remain small and go away after a few cycles of menstruation. Your doctor is more likely to advise removing other types of cysts since they grow bigger and don't go away on their own.

In addition, your doctor will take into account your age, medical history, and desire to become pregnant. If you have questions concerning the removal of an ovarian cyst, make sure to consult your provider.

Prevention:

The majority of ovarian cysts cannot be prevented. However, routine pelvic exams make it possible to diagnose ovarian abnormalities as soon as possible. Keep an eye out for variations in your monthly cycle. Note any odd menstruation symptoms, particularly if they persist for more than a few cycles. Discuss developments that worry you with your healthcare physician.

Hormone-containing medicines will prevent ovulation. Some cysts won't grow when ovulation stops. According to some research, using a birth control pill may lessen the likelihood that some cyst types may recur. However, not everyone is a good candidate for hormone-containing drugs.

Ovarian cysts are typically not dangerous enough to warrant worry about prevention. Rather, make a note of any odd pelvic symptoms and report them to your healthcare professional. Make an appointment for routine pelvic exams so your doctor can identify any cysts that require to be treated.

 References:

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