OVARIAN CYSTS

Types of ovarian cysts

• Follicle cyst. An egg grows in a sac called a follicle located inside the ovaries. In most cases, this follicle or sac breaks open and releases an egg. But if the follicle doesn’t break open, the fluid inside the follicle can form a cyst on the ovary.

• Corpus luteum cysts. After releasing an egg, follicle sacs typically dissolve. If the sac doesn’t dissolve and the opening of the follicle seals, additional fluid can develop inside the sac and this accumulation of fluid causes a corpus luteum cyst.

• Dermoid cysts. Sac-like growths on the ovaries that can contain hair, fat, and other tissue
• Cystadenomas. Non-cancerous growths that can develop on the outer surface of the ovaries
• Endometriomas. Tissues that normally grow inside the uterus can develop outside the uterus and attach to the ovaries, resulting in a cyst

Some women develop a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition means the ovaries contain a large number of small cysts. It may enlarge the ovaries and if left untreated may result to infertility.

Symptoms of an ovarian cyst

Symptoms can appear as the cyst grows. It includes:

• abdominal bloating or swelling
• painful bowel movements
• pelvic pain before or during the menstrual cycle
• painful intercourse
• pain in the lower back or thighs
• breast tenderness
• nausea and vomiting

Severe symptoms of an ovarian cyst that require immediate medical attention include:

• severe or sharp pelvic pain
• fever
• faintness or dizziness
• rapid breathing

These symptoms can indicate a ruptured cyst or an ovarian torsion. Both complications can have serious consequences if not treated early.

DIAGNOSIS

A routine pelvic examination can detect if one of your ovaries is swelling. The doctor may then order an ultrasound test to confirm the presence of a cyst.

An ultrasound test (ultrasonography) is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of your internal organs. Ultrasound tests help determine the size, location, shape, and composition (solid or fluid filled) of a cyst.

Imaging tools used to diagnose ovarian cysts include:

• CT scan: a body imaging device used to create cross-sectional images of internal organs
• MRI: a test that uses magnetic fields to produce in-depth images of internal organs
• Ultrasound device: an imaging device used to visualize the ovary

Your doctor may not immediately recommend a treatment plan since majority of cysts disappear after a few weeks or months. Your doctor will suggest that you repeat the ultrasound test in a few weeks or months to check your condition. If there are no changes or if the cyst increases in size, your doctor will request additional tests to determine other causes of your symptoms.

These include:

• pregnancy test: to make sure you’re not pregnant
• hormone level test: to check for hormone-related issues, such as too much estrogen or progesterone
• CA-125 blood test: to screen for ovarian cancer

TREATMENT

if your cyst doesn’t go away on its own or if it grows larger, your doctor may recommend treatment to shrink or remove it.

Birth control pills

Your doctor can prescribe oral contraceptives if you have recurrent ovarian cysts. This will stop ovulation and prevent the development of new cysts. It can also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer which is higher in postmenopausal women.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy  can be done to surgically remove the cyst if your cyst is small and results from an imaging test rule out cancer. The procedure involves your doctor making a tiny incision near your navel and then inserting a small instrument into your abdomen to remove the cyst.

Laparotomy

Your doctor can surgically remove the cyst through a large incision in your abdomen. This is done if you have a large cyst. They’ll conduct an immediate biopsy, and if they determine that the cyst is cancerous. If it is, they may perform a hysterectomy to remove your ovaries and uterus.

PREVENTION

Ovarian cysts can’t be prevented. However, routine gynecologic examinations can early detect an ovarian cyst. Benign ovarian cysts don’t become cancerous. But, symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Therefore, it’s important to visit your doctor and receive a correct diagnosis. Inform your doctor to symptoms that may indicate a problem, such as changes in your menstrual cycle, ongoing pelvic pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss and abdominal fullness.