What is an ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, closed sac-like structures within the ovary. They're common among women during their reproductive years, and many experience at least one in their lifetime.

The ovaries, located in the pelvic cavity, are crucial organs in the female reproductive system. Each about the size of an almond produces female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and releases eggs for potential fertilization.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts:

Women may experience some symptoms of ovarian cysts, which may include:

In case of a ruptured cyst or an ovarian torsion, women may experience severe symptoms that need immediate medical attention, such as:

Types of Ovarian Cysts:

Ovarian cysts are mainly divided into two types, which include

1. Functional cysts:

Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst, and they develop during the normal menstrual cycle.

They are divided into two types:

Follicular cysts: These form when a follicle doesn't shrink after releasing an egg, causing it to swell. They often go away on their own without treatment.

Corpus luteum cysts: After egg release, the follicle turns into the corpus luteum, which may fill with fluid and become a cyst. Most disappear without symptoms, but some may rupture, causing pain and bleeding.

2. Pathological Cysts:

These types of cysts are usually uncommon. Unlike functional cysts, pathological cysts are developed as a result of abnormal cell growth. Pathological cysts are categorized into three types based on specific characteristics, these include:

Dermoid cysts: It contains various tissues like skin, hair, and teeth. They're usually painless but can grow large and cause ovarian twisting.

Cystadenomas: Similar to dermoid cysts, they're benign and filled with liquid or mucus. They're attached to the ovary by a stalk and can grow large, causing ovarian twisting.

Endometriomas: These develop in women with endometriosis, where the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. They cause pain and discomfort during intercourse and can lead to infertility due to the dark, reddish-brown blood they contain.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts:

Ovarian cysts often develop naturally in women during their reproductive years, i.e., when they have monthly periods. The most common causes of ovarian cysts may include:

Hormonal problems:

Hormonal problems or medication that helps to ovulate can cause functional cysts in women. These types of cysts usually go away on their own without any treatment.

Endometriosis:

In women with endometriosis, the endometrial tissue may get attached to the ovary and form a growth. These types of cysts are called endometriomas and can cause pain during intercourse and periods.

Pregnancy:

An ovarian cyst can form during early pregnancy to help support the pregnancy until the placenta develops. Sometimes, this cyst remains on the ovary into later stages of pregnancy and might require removal.

Pelvic infections:

Severe pelvic infections, which spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes, can cause cysts to develop.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts:

Most of the cysts are benign and rarely ever cause any harm. But, in some cases, they may develop serious complications. The risks and complications of ovarian cysts depend on their type and the stage of the treatment. The severe complications associated with ovarian cysts include:

Ruptured ovarian cyst:

A burst cyst can cause severe pain and internal bleeding. It's rare but can be life-threatening, leading to infections or fertility issues.

Ovarian torsion:

When a cyst gets big, it can twist the ovary, cutting off its blood supply and causing tissue damage. This needs urgent medical attention to prevent complications.

Peritonitis:

Spilled cyst fluid can inflame the abdominal lining, causing severe pain and posing a risk to life.

Infertility:

Ovarian cysts can harm fertility, so it's crucial to get the right treatment to protect reproductive health.

Cancer:

While most cysts are harmless, some may be cancerous, especially in older women. Surgery may be needed to remove cancerous cysts.

Treatment for Ovarian Cysts:

Most ovarian cysts resolve on their own, but some need attention. The treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the woman’s age, type, size, and likely cause of the cysts, as well as whether the cyst is producing any symptoms or not. The possible treatments for ovarian cysts include:

Monitoring:

If the cyst is small, fluid-filled, and not causing symptoms, the doctor might suggest waiting and getting re-checked in a few months. Regular pelvic ultrasounds may be recommended to monitor any changes in size.

Medication:

For recurring cysts, hormonal contraceptives like birth control pills may be prescribed. While they won't shrink existing cysts, they can prevent new ones from forming and lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

Surgery:

If the cyst is large or if it continues to grow or causes pain, the doctor may suggest removing the cyst. The surgical procedures to remove ovarian cysts include:

Ovarian cystectomy:

It refers to the removal of ovarian cysts while preserving the ovaries. This procedure is usually recommended for women who desire fertility.

Oophorectomy:

It is a surgical procedure to remove either one or both ovaries. If the cyst is large and non-cancerous, an oophorectomy is performed to remove the affected ovary while leaving the other intact.

Hysterectomy:

In case of large cysts which are diagnosed to be cancerous, a hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus along with the surrounding organs, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes. This minimizes the spread of ovarian cancer. A hysterectomy is usually recommended if an ovarian cyst develops after menopause.

How can Ovarian Cysts be Prevented?

Ovarian cysts cannot be prevented as they are a normal part of ovulation. However, regular pelvic examinations can detect changes in the ovaries as early as possible.

Also, women should keep track of changes in their monthly cycles, including abnormal menstrual symptoms, and bring their concerns to the gynaecologist as soon as possible to diagnose a condition at the initial stages.

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