Ovarian Cysts are fluid-filled sacs or sacs containing other substances that develop on or inside a woman's ovaries. They are common in women of reproductive age, typically between 15 and 49 years old, and most (over 90%) are not malignant or cancerous and often cause no symptoms.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
1. Functional Cysts
These are the most common type of cyst, arising from the normal functioning of the ovary during the menstrual cycle. This group of cysts usually disappears on its own within 1-3 months and is not cancerous. This group is divided into two types:
- Follicular Cyst is a follicle that grows normally in preparation for ovulation but fails to release the egg. It usually resolves on its own within 1-3 months.
- Corpus Luteum Cyst develops after ovulation when the follicle that released the egg transforms into a tissue called the "Corpus Luteum," which produces hormones in anticipation of pregnancy. Sometimes, fluid or blood accumulates inside, forming a cyst. Normally, this type of cyst shrinks and dissolves on its own when pregnancy does not occur, leading eventually to menstruation.
2. Pathological Cysts
These cysts result from abnormal ovarian cells. This group of cysts will not disappear on its own and often requires treatment, such as medication or surgery, and close monitoring. This group is divided into 4 types:
- Endometrioma (Chocolate Cyst) results from endometriosis, where endometrial tissue that normally sheds during menstruation grows abnormally in the ovary. The endometrial tissue in the ovary continues to function as normal—shedding according to the menstrual cycle—but because it is inside the ovary, there is no exit. This accumulation forms a cyst filled with old, dark, thick blood, resembling chocolate, hence the name "Chocolate Cyst."
- Dermoid Cyst (Teratoma) results from a mixture of cells that should have formed skin, hair, fat, bone, and other tissues, growing in the ovary to form a cyst. These can grow continuously and cause pain.
- Cystadenoma is a non-cancerous ovarian tumor that produces fluid internally. It can grow to be very large and includes both clear fluid types (Serous) and mucus-filled types (Mucinous).
- Ovarian Cancer is the rarest but most dangerous type of cyst, typically found in women approaching or already in menopause.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Most cases are asymptomatic, but if the cyst is large or if complications occur (such as Ovarian Torsion or Ruptured Cyst), symptoms may include:
- Dull or heavy pain in the lower abdomen
- Bloating, indigestion, feeling of fullness
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Increased urination if the cyst is large enough to press on the bladder
- Irregular menstruation (sometimes occurs, but not a primary symptom)
Emergency Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts (Seek immediate medical attention)
Sudden, severe lower abdominal pain (possibly with nausea, vomiting, or fever), which may be caused by:
- Ovarian Torsion: The ovary's stalk twists, cutting off blood supply to the ovary, requiring emergency surgery.
- Ruptured Cyst: The fluid within the cyst breaks open into the abdominal cavity.
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts
- Medical history and pelvic examination: The doctor may feel a mass in the abdomen.
- Ultrasound: This is the **most important** tool for diagnosis, helping to determine the size, location, and characteristics of the cyst (simple fluid sac, solid mass, or blood-filled), which aids in classifying the type of cyst.
- Blood Tests: The doctor may order a test for the cancer marker **CA-125** to aid in diagnosis. However, this cancer marker is not suitable for screening ovarian cysts or cancer, as CA-125 levels can be elevated in many normal conditions, such as during menstruation. Therefore, this test is usually used only in specific cases, such as in postmenopausal women found to have a cyst or when the cyst characteristics on ultrasound appear suspicious.
Treatment Guidelines for Ovarian Cysts
The treatment approach depends on the patient's age, the size of the cyst, the characteristics of the cyst ( from ultrasound), and the symptoms.
- Watchful Waiting: Used for functional cysts (Follicular Cyst and Corpus Luteum Cyst), when they are not very large, and the patient is asymptomatic. The doctor usually schedules a follow-up ultrasound in 1-3 months to see if the cyst resolves on its own.
- Medical Treatment: Such as giving birth control pills or specific hormonal medication to treat the cyst.
- Surgical Treatment: Indications for surgical treatment include very large cysts (e.g., greater than 5-10 cm), rapidly growing cysts, cysts causing severe pain, cysts with suspicious characteristics for malignancy, or complications (Ovarian Torsion or Ruptured Cyst). There are two types of ovarian cyst surgery:
- Laparoscopy (Keyhole Surgery): The current standard method. Small incisions, less pain, fast recovery.
- Laparotomy (Open Abdominal Surgery): Used when the cyst is very large or when advanced cancer is suspected.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve on their own. Annual pelvic exams and ultrasound are the best methods for detecting and monitoring cysts, allowing for appropriate treatment planning before complications occur.
For more information, please contact:
Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, 1st Floor
Email: information@ram2-hosp.com
Line Official: @ram2
Tel: 02-032-3888
Article by
Recommended Packages
