What Is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst, a sac that is filled with fluid, is usually present in or on the surface of the ovary, which is an organ in the female reproductive system. Females have a pair of ovaries that are the size of an almond. One ovary is present on either side of the uterus in the lower abdomen. It is the reservoir of egg cells, and it also produces the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These egg cells mature into eggs (ova) in the ovaries and are released during each menstrual cycle.
Most women have one or more ovarian cysts at some time. They rarely produce any pain or discomfort. Most of the cysts do not need treatment and disappear in a few months. But, cysts that rupture can result in severe symptoms. It is important to understand the symptoms that might occur due to ovarian cysts, as it will help in getting prompt medical help. Also, regular pelvic exams are a must for all women.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst?
Most of the time, an ovarian cyst does not result in symptoms. But if the cyst grows too big, the following symptoms might be experienced:
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Abdominal swelling or bloating.
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Severe pelvic pain during periods.
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Nausea.
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Pain during bowel movements.
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Pelvic pain before periods.
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Lower back pain.
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Pain in the thighs.
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Painful or tender breasts.
When to Consult a Doctor?
In case you experience sharp and unbearable pelvic pain, fever, feel dizzy, and are short of breath, immediate medical attention is required. A ruptured cyst or a condition called ovarian torsion can result in such symptoms. Failure to get help immediately can result in serious consequences.
What Are the Types of Ovarian Cysts?
The main types of ovarian cysts are:
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Functional Ovarian Cysts - It is the most common type of ovarian cysts seen. They are usually formed during the woman’s normal menstrual cycle, are painless, and usually resolve on their own in weeks. The types of functional ovarian cysts are -
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Follicle Cysts - In the ovaries, the mature egg is released from the ovaries into the fallopian tube for fertilization with sperm. Inside the ovary, the egg is protected by a fluid-filled follicle, which bursts, and the egg is released into the fallopian tube. Sometimes, the follicle does not shrink after it releases the egg, or the egg itself is not released, resulting in a follicular ovarian cyst. They are the most common type of functional ovarian cyst and are usually harmless. It normally disappears within a few weeks.
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Corpus Luteum Cysts - When the egg is released from the ovary, the leftover tissue in the ovary is called corpus luteum. This corpus luteum can fill with blood and result in a luteal cyst or corpus luteum cyst. This cyst takes a few months to disappear and is less common. If this cyst ruptures, it can result in sudden pain and internal bleeding.
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Pathological Cysts - Cysts that grow in the ovaries can be harmless or malignant (cancerous).
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Dermoid Cysts - Otherwise called cystic teratomas. It is normally a benign cyst that is formed from the cells that mature into the ovum or eggs. They have to be surgically removed. They are commonly seen in women under 30 years of age.
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Cystadenomas - Ovarian cysts that form from the cells that cover the ovary is called cystadenomas. They do not grow inside the ovary but are attached to the outer layer of the ovary. They are either filled with a mucus-like thick substance or a watery liquid. They can grow big, can be cancerous, and have to be removed surgically. This ovarian cyst is commonly seen in women over the age of 40 years.
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Endometrioma - The membrane that makes the inner layer of the uterus (endometrial tissue) can sometimes grow outside the uterus and get attached to the ovaries (endometriosis). An ovarian cyst that develops from this tissue is called an endometrioma. It results in severe pelvic pain during menstruation and is seen in women in their reproductive years.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a common hormonal disorder affecting women in the child-bearing years. Women with this condition have large numbers of small cysts, resulting in enlargement of the ovaries. This condition has to be treated promptly, or it can lead to infertility.
What Are the Risk Factors for an Ovarian Cyst?
These factors increase your risk of developing an ovarian cyst:
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Hormonal imbalance.
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Pregnancy.
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Pelvic infection.
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Previous ovarian cysts
What Are the Complications of Ovarian Cysts?
The other possible complications include:
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Ovarian Torsion - When the ovarian cyst grows big, they push on the ovaries, which increases the risk of the ovaries twisting, called ovarian torsion. It is a painful condition and needs immediate medical help, as it can stop the blood flow to the affected ovary. The symptoms include severe pelvic pain, vomiting, and nausea.
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Cyst Rupture - If the ovarian cyst ruptures, it can cause severe pain and internal bleeding. The chances of the cyst rupturing increase as it grows in size. The other risk factors include vigorous exercise and vaginal sex.
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Ovarian Cancer - In some very rare cases, ovarian cysts might be an early form of ovarian cancer. It is commonly seen after menopause.
How Is an Ovarian Cyst Diagnosed?
Most of the time, ovarian cysts are found during a routine pelvic examination or accidentally during an abdominal ultrasound. If the doctor notices swelling on your ovaries, you might have to get some of the following tests done:
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Ultrasound - to confirm the presence of the cyst. Here, high-frequency sound waves are used to get images of the ovaries, uterus, etc. This test helps determine the location, size, and if the cyst is filled with fluid or is solid. There are two types of ultrasound tests available, abdominal (transabdominal) and vaginal (transvaginal). The abdominal ultrasound is taken across the abdomen, and the transvaginal ultrasound is taken through the vagina.
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CT scan - here, X-rays are used to produce cross-sectional images of the ovaries and cyst.
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MRI - a test that uses magnetic fields to produce in-depth images of the ovaries.
As most cysts disappear within a few weeks or months, the doctor might not treat them immediately. Instead, you will be asked to get another ultrasound test after a few weeks or months. If the cyst is still present or has increased in size, then the doctor will suggest you perform the following tests to determine the cause:
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Pregnancy test - As luteal cysts are commonly seen during pregnancy, and the doctor will check if you are pregnant.
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Hormone levels.
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CA-125 blood test - The protein, cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), is elevated in women who have ovarian cancer.
What Are the Treatment Modalities for Ovarian Cysts?
In most women, the doctor will ask the patient to wait and get re-examined in a few weeks or a month to see if the cyst goes away on its own, in case you do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms, then depending on your age, the size of the cyst, and its location, the treatment options include:
1) Hormonal Contraceptives - Birth control pills are prescribed if you have recurrent ovarian cysts. These pills will not shrink the cysts that you already have, but they will prevent cysts from recurring.
2) Surgery - Cysts that are growing in size, causing symptoms, and do not look like functional cysts are removed surgically.
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Ovarian Cystectomy - If it is possible, the surgeon will remove the cyst alone without removing the ovary.
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Oophorectomy - It is when the ovary is removed along with the cyst.
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Total Hysterectomy - For ovarian cancers, the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are surgically removed.
There is no possible way to prevent ovarian cysts. This is why routine gynecological examinations are important to detect cysts early. Please consult a doctor immediately in case you notice changes in your menstrual cycle, experience pelvic pain, unintentional weight loss, and abdominal fullness. To know more about ovarian cysts, consult a doctor online now.
