What are ovarian cysts. How are they diagnosed. What symptoms do they cause. When should you seek medical attention for ovarian cysts. What treatment options are available for abnormal ovarian cysts.

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form within or on the surface of an ovary. These structures are quite common and typically benign (non-cancerous). The most prevalent type is a follicular cyst, which develops when an egg-producing follicle fails to rupture and release an egg, instead swelling with fluid.

While many ovarian cysts resolve on their own without intervention, some may require medical attention or surgical removal. In rare instances, complications such as twisting or rupture can occur, necessitating emergency treatment.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

• Follicular cysts
• Corpus luteum cysts
• Dermoid cysts
• Endometriomas
• Cystadenomas

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

The formation of ovarian cysts can be attributed to various factors. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper management and prevention. What triggers the development of ovarian cysts? The most common cause is hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Other factors include:

• Pregnancy
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic infections
• Hormonal imbalances
• Genetic predisposition

It’s important to note that while these factors can contribute to cyst formation, many cysts develop without a clear cause, as part of the normal functioning of the ovaries.

Recognizing Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Many ovarian cysts are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary in intensity and nature. What signs should you be aware of? Common symptoms include:

• Mild abdominal ache or pelvic pain
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Menstrual irregularities
• Unusual hair growth (hirsutism)
• Sudden, sharp abdominal pain (in cases of cyst rupture or torsion)
• Changes in urinary habits

It’s crucial to pay attention to these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time. While many cysts are harmless, some can indicate more serious conditions that require prompt medical attention.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts: What to Expect

Accurate diagnosis of ovarian cysts is essential for proper treatment and management. How do doctors diagnose ovarian cysts? The process typically involves several steps:

1. Pelvic examination: This routine check can sometimes detect larger cysts.
2. Vaginal sonogram: This imaging test provides detailed views of the ovaries and any cysts present.
3. Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualization and possible removal of cysts.
4. Blood tests: These may be conducted to check for hormonal imbalances or tumor markers.

What makes the vaginal sonogram particularly valuable in diagnosis? This imaging technique offers a clear, detailed view of the ovaries, allowing doctors to assess the size, composition, and characteristics of any cysts present. It helps differentiate between fluid-filled and solid masses, which is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action.

Treatment Options for Abnormal Ovarian Cysts

The treatment approach for ovarian cysts depends on various factors, including the size, type, and symptoms associated with the cyst. What are the primary treatment options available?

• Watchful waiting: For small, asymptomatic cysts, doctors may recommend monitoring with regular check-ups.
• Hormonal therapy: Birth control pills may be prescribed to prevent new cyst formation.
• Surgical removal: Laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy may be necessary for larger or persistent cysts.
• Drainage: In rare cases, cysts may be drained during laparoscopy.

When is surgery necessary for ovarian cysts? Surgical intervention is typically considered in the following situations:

• The cyst is large (greater than 5-10 cm in diameter)
• The cyst persists or grows over several menstrual cycles
• The cyst causes severe symptoms
• There’s suspicion of cancer
• The cyst has twisted or ruptured, causing acute symptoms

Complications and Risks Associated with Ovarian Cysts

While most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve on their own, certain complications can arise. What are the potential risks associated with ovarian cysts?

• Ovarian torsion: The cyst can cause the ovary to twist, cutting off its blood supply.
• Rupture: A cyst may burst, causing severe pain and internal bleeding.
• Infection: Rarely, a cyst may become infected, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Fertility issues: Large or numerous cysts may interfere with ovulation.
• Cancer risk: While most cysts are benign, some types may have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.

How can you recognize a medical emergency related to ovarian cysts? Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Sudden, severe abdominal pain
• Fever and vomiting
• Signs of shock, such as cold, clammy skin or rapid breathing
• Dizziness or fainting

Living with Ovarian Cysts: Management and Prevention

While not all ovarian cysts can be prevented, there are steps you can take to manage your health and reduce the risk of complications. What lifestyle changes can help?

• Regular gynecological check-ups
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques
• Following a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Engaging in regular physical activity

How can you manage symptoms associated with ovarian cysts? Some strategies include:

• Using over-the-counter pain relievers for mild discomfort
• Applying heat to the lower abdomen to alleviate pain
• Avoiding activities that may cause ovarian torsion, such as high-impact exercises
• Practicing relaxation techniques to manage stress and discomfort

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ovarian Cysts

Understanding when to consult a healthcare professional about ovarian cysts is crucial for maintaining your reproductive health. What signs indicate that you should see a doctor?

• Persistent pelvic pain or pressure
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Unexplained weight gain or bloating
• Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain

How often should you have routine check-ups if you have a history of ovarian cysts? The frequency of follow-up appointments depends on your individual situation, but generally, your doctor may recommend:

• Regular pelvic exams (annually or semi-annually)
• Periodic ultrasounds to monitor existing cysts
• More frequent check-ups if you have a history of complex cysts or other risk factors

The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection and appropriate management of ovarian cysts are vital for several reasons:

• Preventing complications such as ovarian torsion or rupture
• Preserving fertility in women of reproductive age
• Identifying and addressing any underlying hormonal imbalances
• Ruling out more serious conditions, including ovarian cancer
• Improving overall quality of life by managing symptoms effectively

By staying vigilant about your reproductive health and seeking timely medical attention, you can ensure that any abnormal ovarian cysts are diagnosed and treated promptly, minimizing potential risks and complications.

Benign Ovarian Cysts | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Benign Ovarian Cysts | Johns Hopkins Medicine

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the ovary. Ovarian cysts are common and, in the vast majority of cases, they are benign (noncancerous). They vary in size and may occur at different sites in the ovary; the most common type develops when an egg-producing follicle does not rupture and release the egg but instead swells with fluid and forms a follicular cyst.

Cysts often disappear on their own without treatment, but in some cases they may require surgical removal. In rare cases a cyst that twists or ruptures may cause serious complications warranting emergency surgery.

At Johns Hopkins, our physicians are experts at diagnosing and treating ovarian cysts. While ovarian cysts are mostly benign and harmless, there are cases where they can be cancerous or dangerous to a woman’s future fertility. That is why it is so critical to be evaluated by an ovarian cyst expert at Johns Hopkins.

Symptoms can include:

• In many cases, ovarian cysts produce no symptoms.
• Mild abdominal ache.
• Abdominal swelling or a feeling of fullness or pressure.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Menstrual irregularities including absence of menstrual bleeding (amenorrhea), heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), and painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
• Unusual hair growth on the face and body caused by an increased production of masculinizing hormones (hirsutism).
• Sudden, sharp abdominal pain, fever, and nausea if a cyst becomes twisted or ruptures.
• Rarely, painful, frequent urination-or urinary retention-if a cyst presses against the bladder.

If you experience any of the symptoms of ovarian cysts, call a gynecologist. If you have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and you experience sudden, sharp abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting, see a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis of ovarian cysts

A gynecological examination is necessary to diagnose an ovarian cyst. If a lump or mass in the ovary is detected, further tests are necessary to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer.

Your doctor may perform one or more tests to diagnose a benign ovarian cyst:

• Pelvic Exam: Oftentimes, ovarian cysts are detected during a routine pelvic exam. But because the pelvic exam cannot produce a definitive diagnosis, the next step is to perform a vaginal sonogram.
• Vaginal sonogram: This imaging test allows a physician to get the most accurate picture of the ovary and cyst. The test is performed by inserting a small instrument into the vagina, which then bounces sound waves off your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, forming a picture on a monitor. This image enables the doctor to determine with accuracy the size of the cyst and, just as importantly, to see inside it and detect whether it is solid or fluid-filled. While the vaginal sonogram detects the presence of a cyst, it cannot verify whether it is benign or malignant. Therefore, if the sonogram detects a cyst, the next step may be the surgical removal of the cyst to find out if it is malignant or benign.
• Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure allows your doctor to see and remove the cyst by making a small incision in the abdomen rather than a long cut. The laparoscope, a thin lighted telescope, is inserted through a small incision into your abdomen. Small instruments placed near the pubic bone allow the doctor to then remove the cyst.

Treatment of ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts often disappear without treatment. Surgery to remove the cyst may be needed if cancer is suspected, if the cyst does not go away, or if it causes symptoms. In many cases it can be taken out without damaging the ovary, but sometimes the ovary has to be removed. In rare cases an ovarian cyst may be drained during laparoscopy.

Your doctor may recommend hormonal therapy for preventing future ovarian cysts.

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Complex ovarian cyst: Symptoms, risks, pictures, surgery

Ovarian cysts can be simple or complex. Complex ovarian cysts are those that contain either blood or a solid substance. They are more likely to require treatment.

Simple cysts are relatively common and usually clear on their own. Complex cysts are more likely to need treatment.

Most ovarian cysts are benign, meaning that they are noncancerous.

In this article, we take a close look at complex ovarian cysts, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Ovarian cysts are small sacs that form in or on an ovary. Ovarian cysts can be simple or complex, depending on the substances that are inside them.

Simple cysts are filled with fluid. Monthly ovulation will often include the formation of cysts, and they are not usually a cause for concern. When they cause no problems, they are called functional cysts.

Complex cysts are less common than simple cysts. Either blood or a hard substance fills complex cysts. Unlike simple cysts, complex cysts are not related to the typical menstrual cycle.

Most cysts are not harmful. According to the Office of Women’s Health (OWH), cancerous cysts are rare and more common in older women.

The different types of complex ovarian cyst include:

• Endometriomas. This type occurs when the cells of the uterine lining grow in or around the ovaries or on the uterus. Endometriomas contain a thick brown fluid.
• Dermoids. Skin, hair, fat, or teeth cells make up dermoid cysts.
• Cystadenomas. These cysts are made of ovarian tissue and contain mucus or fluid.

A person with complex ovarian cysts may not experience any symptoms. People may only discover them during medical exams for other conditions or symptoms.

If complex ovarian cysts do cause symptoms, people may notice the following:

• pressure or bloating in the abdomen
• general pain in the lower abdomen
• vomiting or nausea if the cyst causes the ovaries to bend or twist
• an urgent or frequent need to urinate if the cyst pushes on the bladder
• a severe pain that comes on rapidly if the cyst bursts

If a person has endometriomas, they may have additional symptoms that include:

• constipation
• diarrhea
• fatigue
• nausea
• pain during sex
• pain during periods
• issues with fertility
• pain during bowel movements or urination

People should see their doctor if they experience severe pain in the abdomen, a fever, and vomiting.

In many cases, medical experts do not know what causes complex ovarian cysts.

A condition called endometriosis causes endometriomas. Endometriosis is when the cells of the uterine lining grow outside of the uterus.

Women who ovulate are most at risk for developing an ovarian cyst. Meanwhile, after menopause, ovarian cysts are more likely to develop into ovarian cancer.

In many cases, a cyst will clear on its own without treatment. However, if a doctor suspects that someone has an ovarian cyst, they will typically conduct a pelvic examination.

A doctor may perform an ultrasound scan to identify the type and location of any cysts. They may take blood samples to look for proteins that might indicate if a person has cancer.

Most complications from complex ovarian cysts are minor, but some may be more severe.

Complications of complex ovarian cysts may include the following:

• If a cyst grows too large, it can press against the bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate.
• An enlarged cyst may also push the ovary out of its usual position in the body.
• An ovarian cyst can cause ovarian torsion, where the ovary twists. This action may be very painful.
• A person may develop fertility issues because of cysts on the ovaries.
• In rare cases, ovarian cysts can develop into ovarian cancer.

If a cyst ruptures or hemorrhages, a person may experience severe symptoms, including:

• nausea and vomiting
• severe pain
• fast breathing
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• fever
• dizziness

Complex cysts are more likely to need treatment than simple cysts.

According to the OWH, between 5–10 percent of women with ovarian cysts will have surgery. Of that number, between 13–21 percent are cancerous.

A doctor may recommend surgery when a cyst is becoming too large, interfering with the ovary or other organs, or is painful.

A surgeon will often use laparoscopy to remove an ovarian cyst. Here, the medical team places the individual under general anesthesia, and the surgeon performs keyhole surgery, using small entry points, to remove the cyst.

Most complex ovarian cysts are benign and may not cause any symptoms. A person may experience pain or discomfort if the cyst grows too large.

An enlarged cyst may push against the bladder, cause abdominal pain, or interfere with fertility. Full recovery is usual when a person requires surgery.

If someone suspects that they have an ovarian cyst, they should speak to their doctor to find out the best course of action.

Ovarian cysts | Dikul Center

The ovaries are a pair of almond-shaped female reproductive organs that play a central role in reproductive function.

These glands (female gonads) produce the female sex hormones (progesterone and estrogen) and are responsible for releasing the egg during the menstrual cycle.

With the onset of the menstrual cycle, a small number of eggs begin to form in the ovaries. As the egg grows, fluid accumulates in it and estrogen production begins.

Ovarian cysts may be located in or on the surface of the ovary and are small sac-like structures usually filled with fluid. Most often, cysts are asymptomatic and resolve on their own.

Under certain conditions, cysts in the ovary can lead to pain. For large cysts (more than 5 cm), surgical treatment may be required.

Types of ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts fall into two main categories:

• Functional cysts
• Pathological cysts
• Functional cysts

The most common types of ovarian cysts usually develop as part of the growth and ovulation of ovarian eggs during the monthly menstrual cycle and disappear within 2 to 8 weeks without any treatment.

Follicular cyst

A female egg develops inside a fluid-filled sac inside the ovary called a follicle.

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the egg is the size of a pinhead. By the time of ovulation, the egg cell increases to 2.5 cm and is released when the follicle opens.

Fertilization occurs at the end of the tube. Then, within 6-7 days, the fertilized egg passes through the tube and is implanted in the uterus.

As soon as the egg is released from the follicle, it releases the fluid it contains and contracts. But if ovulation does not occur, the fluid remains inside the follicle until this follicular cyst gradually disappears.

Corpus luteum cyst

The corpus luteum is the tissue that remains after ovulation. It produces the hormone progesterone.

Fluid may accumulate in the corpus luteum, which can lead to the formation of a corpus luteum cyst. Some women may bleed into the ovary after ovulation, leading to the formation of a hemorrhagic cyst.

Sometimes the follicle may not ovulate. The egg remains in the ovary and the corpus luteum produces progesterone. This type of ovarian cyst is called a luteinized unruptured follicle and is a functional type.

The corpus luteum cyst and follicular cyst are benign and result from a functional process.

Pathological cyst

Unlike functional cysts, the formation of pathological cysts is not associated with the menstrual cycle. Pathological cysts are due to the overgrowth of ovarian cells and can occur both inside and outside the ovaries.

In most cases, pathological cysts are not malignant, but there is a certain risk of malignancy. Pathological cysts can form in women at any age, including those of reproductive age and postmenopause.

Dermoid cysts

Dermoid cysts (cystic teratomas) are most common in women of reproductive age.

A dermoid cyst consists of those cells of the ovary from which the egg is formed and may contain traces of both skin tissue and teeth, bones or hair.

These cysts are usually benign, but large cysts may require surgical removal.

Cystadenoma

Ovarian cystadenomas differ from dermoid cysts both in composition and localization.

Cystadenomas are mostly benign tumors that develop due to abnormal growth of those ovarian cells that cover the surface epithelium of the ovaries. Cystadenomas are larger than normal teratomas, and can increase in width by more than 10 cm. Most often, these cysts develop in women over 40 years of age, and they require surgical removal.

Causes

Various causes of ovarian cysts:

• Hormonal imbalance

  Ovarian cysts are often associated with hormonal dysfunction or imbalance in the body. Women with impaired fertility are forced to take hormonal drugs to stimulate ovulation, and they are more likely to develop cysts of this type.

• Pregnancy

  It is normal for an ovarian cyst to form after conception as it supports the embryo until the placenta is formed. In childbearing women, it is also common for an ovarian cyst, formed during the last phase of ovulation, to persist throughout pregnancy.

• Endometriosis

  Abnormal growth of endometrial cells forms the lining of the uterus outside of it.

  The ovaries are often affected by this abnormal growth of endometrial tissue, leading to the formation of cystic masses prone to bleeding.

  This cyst is brown and is called an endometrioma or chocolate cyst. Thus, women with endometriosis have an increased risk of developing ovarian cysts.

• Pelvic infections

  Pelvic infections can spread to the ovaries, leading to the formation of cystic masses called ovarian abscesses.

• Polycystic ovary syndrome

  PCOS is a fairly common dyshormonal disease and is characterized by the formation of small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS is often the cause of female infertility.

Symptoms

Most ovarian cysts are benign and small in size and do not show any noticeable symptoms. However, if the cyst becomes very large or ruptures, pelvic symptoms may appear.

The most common symptoms are:

• Abdominal bloating, feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
• Painful intestinal motility
• Irregular menses
• Menses with cramps
• Pain of varying intensity in the pelvic region before or during the menstrual cycle
• Pain that radiates from the pelvis to the lower back or thighs
• Feeling of heaviness in the abdomen after eating
• Frequent urge to defecate or urinate
• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
• Sensation of pressure in the bladder or rectum
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain during intercourse
• Soreness in the chest
• Infertility

If an ovarian cyst ruptures, the woman may experience sharp, sudden pain that is felt only on one side of the abdomen. When acute pain occurs, a woman should seek medical help.

Pain due to a ruptured cyst may be aggravated by any physical activity or sexual intercourse.

However, many women do not feel anything when an ovarian cyst ruptures, especially if it is small.

Treatment

In most cases, ovarian cysts disappear on their own within a few weeks or months, but in some cases treatment is required. In any case, the doctor recommends that the woman monitor her symptoms once she is diagnosed with a functional cyst.

Dynamic ultrasonography is performed to check the size of the cyst or confirm its disappearance. If the cyst does not disappear or grows in size, then treatment will continue depending on the type and size of the cyst, age, and general medical history.

Women who have a tendency to develop functional ovarian cysts may be prescribed drugs containing hormones.

Surgical treatment may be considered in cases where the cyst persists for more than 3 months, is larger than 8 cm, or is increasing in size. If transformation to a cancerous tumor is suspected, surgery for a biopsy may be required.

1. Laparoscopy

One of the least invasive surgical procedures for removing an ovarian cyst is laparoscopy. This endoscopic surgical method is usually used for benign lesions. After using this method, the woman has a minimum amount of scarring.

2. Laparotomy

Laparoscopy cannot remove large cysts or masses with a risk of malignancy. In these cases, a laparotomy is performed, in which larger incisions are made than with laparoscopy, which is necessary to remove a large cyst. The removed tissues can be sent for histological examination, which allows us to exclude cancerous changes. If the histology confirms the presence of cancer cells, then the woman’s ovary and surrounding tissues are removed.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an ovarian cyst usually includes the following examinations:

• Ultrasound – allows you to determine the size, location and density of the cystic formation.
• Blood tests for CA 125 levels – an elevated level indicates a high risk of developing cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. CA-125 levels are also elevated in benign diseases associated with ovarian cysts, such as endometriosis and pelvic infections.
• Pregnancy test – will determine if the cyst is the result of an early stage of pregnancy.
• Determination of hormonal levels that may contribute to the development of ovarian cysts.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides information about the structure of the pelvic organs.
• Biopsy – removal of a small sample of tissue and its histological examination reveals cancer cells.

Does an ovarian cyst affect pregnancy?

Pregnant women are more likely to develop ovarian cysts, especially during the first months. Ovarian cysts are important for a healthy pregnancy.

The corpus luteum produces progesterone, which is needed in early pregnancy until the placenta (at 9 weeks) begins to produce progesterone.

These types of ovarian cysts are benign, but they can complicate matters if they continue to enlarge during pregnancy.

With or without an ovarian cyst, every childbearing woman should remain under the constant supervision of an obstetrician-gynecologist. Such a doctor’s observation is especially relevant when a woman has an education on her ovaries.

Women with PCOS require special attention as they are at greater risk of pregnancy-related complications such as:

• Pregnancy diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension
• Miscarriage
• Prematurity

Complications

1. Cancer (malignant) cyst

Functional ovarian cysts and benign ovarian tumors do not degenerate into cancer. However, in some cases it is difficult to distinguish a cancerous cyst from a functional cyst or a benign tumor.

Physical examination, blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays and MRI are not diagnostic but descriptive. These tests help determine if there is a risk that an ovarian cyst may be cancer. But only a biopsy can accurately determine the presence of malignancy.

Postmenopausal women are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

2. Rupture of a cyst

Sometimes large cysts can rupture, resulting in internal bleeding, pain and other discomfort.

3. Ovarian torsion

Any ovarian cyst can cause the ovary to twist, resulting in pelvic pain. Ultrasound of the pelvis often allows the diagnosis of adnexal torsion.

Surgery may save the fallopian tube and/or ovary.

When to see a doctor?

Ovarian cysts are not considered serious, but a woman may need OB/GYN medical attention if:

A woman begins to experience several symptoms associated with an ovarian cyst.

• She has severe abdominal pain
• There are changes in the amount of menstrual flow.

Also important are symptoms that persist for more than 2 weeks, such as:

A woman begins to experience several symptoms associated with an ovarian cyst.

• Stomach full feeling
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss

symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cysts

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Caution: ovarian cyst

April 12, 2019

The diagnosis of “ovarian cyst” is perhaps one of the most common in gynecology.

According to statistics, it is registered in about 30% of women with regular menstrual cycles and 50% of women with irregular cycles.

An ovarian cyst is a benign, hollow neoplasm filled with liquid or semi-liquid contents and surrounded by a capsule. The cyst can be functional and pathological, have different localization and size.

Further in the article we will tell in more detail about ovarian cysts, their types, causes, symptoms that accompany them, and also what is the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cysts.

What are the types of ovarian cysts

There are various ovarian cysts. Their types are determined by localization, size, causes.

To date, the following main types of ovarian cysts are distinguished:

• Follicular cyst is an ovarian cyst that forms from the follicle if ovulation does not occur or is disturbed
• A corpus luteum cyst, or a luteal ovarian cyst – is formed in the center of a non-regressed corpus luteum, where fluid begins to accumulate due to impaired blood circulation. Both follicular and luteal cysts are functional types of ovarian cysts, which in most cases do not pose any threat and resolve on their own
• Paraovarian cyst – formed from the periovary and epididymis in the region of the mesentery of the fallopian tube
• Ovarian dermoid cyst is a specific neoplasm characterized by mucus-like contents and may contain hair, teeth, cartilage, bone tissue, etc.
• Endometrioid cyst – formed as a result of the growth of the endometrium in the tissues of the ovary

Causes of ovarian cysts

The reasons for the formation of ovarian cysts are different and can be both functional and pathological. As mentioned at the beginning of the article, the risk of cyst formation is higher in women with irregular menstrual cycles. Therefore, the causes of ovarian cysts primarily involve hormonal imbalances.

Also the main causes of ovarian cysts are as follows:

• Inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages
• Stress
• Obesity
• Endocrine diseases
• Use of certain drugs
• May cause ovarian cysts such as previous abortions, lack of pregnancy in reproductive age, etc.

Ovarian cyst symptoms

For a long time, there are no symptoms of an ovarian cyst. With some cysts, for example, with follicular and luteal cysts, symptoms may not be observed throughout the entire period of the disease. Considering any ovarian cysts, the symptoms depend primarily on the size, as well as the location of the neoplasm.

In general, the symptoms of an ovarian cyst can be represented by the following:

• Feeling of discomfort, heaviness, or pain in the lower abdomen, mostly unilateral, pulling, aching in nature, which increase or appear during intercourse. In some cases (for example, with the development of complications), the pain may become more acute, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, radiate to the rectum
• Menstrual disorders – delay or complete absence of menstruation, development of dysfunctional uterine bleeding
• With a significant size of the cyst, an increase in the abdomen can be observed

Symptoms such as fever, tension of the anterior abdominal wall, spread of pain are unfriendly symptoms that usually indicate the development of complications.

Ovarian cyst diagnostics

Since the symptoms of cysts are often absent, or so insignificant that they do not attract the attention of patients, the diagnosis of an ovarian cyst is usually delayed. Experience shows that most cysts are diagnosed by chance during preventive gynecological examinations.

The most accurate diagnosis of an ovarian cyst is an ultrasound! Although, it is possible to suspect the presence of a cyst by palpation. Ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian cysts allows you to determine the localization and size of the cyst, which is especially important when choosing a treatment method. In the clinic, for diagnostic purposes, drainage of cysts is also used.

Drainage of ovarian cysts is an effective diagnostic and treatment procedure

With a disease such as an ovarian cyst, diagnosis may also include drainage, or aspiration. This is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a special hollow needle into the neoplasm to obtain the fluid that the ovarian cyst contains. Diagnosis of this fluid allows you to determine the type of cyst, as well as assess the degree of its malignancy. Drainage is also used as a treatment.

Treatment methods for ovarian cysts

How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed and treated? As we have already mentioned, there are functional and pathological ovarian cysts. The former account for approximately 90% of all cases, usually resolve on their own and do not require specific treatment.