Be Careful, You May Not Have Ovarian Cysts – How Can Cysts Be Diagnosed?
Ovarian cysts are among the most common diseases among women. It is a condition where cysts grow inside or on the surface of the ovaries. Usually, they may not cause any symptoms and may eventually disappear without treatment. Therefore, be careful; you may not have ovarian cysts. How can cysts be diagnosed? Follow the next lines to find the answer.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
The ovaries are small organs in the pelvis that contain egg cells and are responsible for producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid or a semi-solid material that form on or inside one or both ovaries.
There are different types of ovarian cysts, most of which are painless and harmless (benign). Usually, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. You likely won’t know you have one unless a doctor finds one during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. In some rare cases, ovarian cysts can cause some complications.
What are the Types of Ovarian Cysts?
Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts. They form in response to changes in your body during the menstrual cycle. In less common cases, ovarian cysts form for reasons unrelated to the menstrual cycle. Here are some types of ovarian cysts:
Functional Cysts
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and are not associated with disease. They occur as a result of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). These cysts can be a sign that the ovaries are working as they should. Functional cysts generally shrink over time, usually within 60 days, without specific treatment.
Follicular Cysts
A small sac in your ovary, called a follicle, releases an egg each month as part of your menstrual cycle. A follicular cyst forms when the follicle does not release the egg.
Corpus Luteum Cysts
After the follicle releases the egg, it forms a group of hormone-producing cells called the corpus luteum. A cyst forms when fluid accumulates in the corpus luteum, causing it to grow.
Cystadenomas
These cysts form on the surface of the ovary. They can be filled with thin, watery fluid or a thicker, mucus-like material.
Dermoid Cysts (Teratomas)
Dermoid cysts are made up of cells that form all types of tissues in the human body, from skin, hair, and teeth to brain tissue.
Endometriomas
These cysts are filled with endometrial tissue, the same tissue you shed each month during your period.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Ovulation is the main cause of ovarian cyst formation. Other causes include:
Abnormal cell growth: Atypical cell proliferation can lead to cyst formation, such as dermoids and cystadenomas.
Endometriosis: These cysts often form on the ovary in advanced stages of endometriosis.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Severe pelvic infections can spread to the ovaries, causing cysts.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Small cysts usually cause no symptoms. In this case, you may not even know you have an ovarian cyst. However, larger cysts may cause the following symptoms:
Pelvic pain or a dull ache in your back.
A feeling of fullness (bloating) in your lower abdomen that may be more noticeable on one side of your body.
Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia).
Severe pain during your period.
Nausea.
Persistent symptoms may indicate a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which causes irregular periods and other hormone-related problems, including obesity and infertility. Other symptoms of PCOS include hirsutism (excessive body hair growth) and difficulty losing weight.
How Can Cysts Be Diagnosed?
A doctor can use the following tests to diagnose ovarian cysts:
Pelvic Exam
A doctor may detect an ovarian cyst during a routine pelvic exam. They may notice swelling in one of the ovaries and order an ultrasound to confirm the presence of a cyst.
Ultrasound
This procedure uses sound waves to create images of your internal body organs. It can detect cysts on the ovaries, including their location, shape, and composition (solid or fluid-filled).
Laparoscopy
This procedure is performed in an operating room. The doctor inserts a camera through a small incision (cut) in your abdomen and can see the reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. If the doctor diagnoses a cyst during this time, they can remove it during the laparoscopy.
How Can Ovarian Cysts Be Treated?
Ovarian functional cysts usually disappear without treatment; the doctor typically suggests waiting until the cyst goes away. You may be followed up with an ultrasound within a few weeks or months after diagnosis to monitor if the cyst has resolved on its own.
However, some cases require medical intervention, either with medication or surgery. Here are ways to treat ovarian cysts:
Medications for Ovarian Cysts
Your doctor may advise you to take hormone-containing medications, such as birth control pills, to stop ovulation and prevent future cyst formation.
Surgery for Ovarian Cysts
If the cyst causes symptoms and continues to grow, you may need surgery to remove it. The type of surgery depends on the size of the cyst and how it appears on ultrasound. Different procedures used include:
Laparoscopy: This is a procedure where the doctor inserts a small camera through a small incision in the abdomen to view the reproductive organs and pelvic cavity. Through these small incisions, the ovarian cyst can be removed (ovarian cystectomy).
Surgical Intervention: The doctor may perform open surgery if the cyst is very large or if there are other concerns.
If cancer is suspected, the doctor may consult with a cancer specialist, or a gynecologic oncologist, about the best treatment options for you.
Are Ovarian Cysts Dangerous?
Usually, no. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and often disappear on their own eventually. Some types of cysts are more likely to become cancerous or cause complications, but this is rare. Less than 1% of ovarian cysts are cancerous. Your doctor can closely monitor any concerning cysts to reduce your risk of complications.
Can Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Be Completely Cured?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a complex hormonal disorder for which a definitive cure has not yet been discovered. However, its symptoms can be managed through various treatments and lifestyle changes, such as following a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, and limiting processed foods, sugars, and refined carbohydrates. Regular exercise can also help with weight loss and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Do Ovarian Cysts Prevent Pregnancy?
No, you can get pregnant if you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. PCOS can make it difficult to conceive while also increasing the risk of some pregnancy complications. Your doctor will help you develop a treatment plan to help you ovulate. Your treatment plan may include medications or assisted reproductive technologies like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).