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Ovarian Cyst - Ovarian Cyst symptom, treatment, causes

Ovarian Cyst is due to the abnormal cyst developing in the ovary. The ovaries normally contain small cysts, formed by the follicle in which the ovum (egg) matures, or from the corpus luteum left behind after the follicle rup-tures, several types of abnormal ovarian cyst may occur.

An ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid within the ovary . Many cysts are completely normal. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about two centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. They can vary in size and contain liquid that is thin and watery, or thicker and paste-like. Some cysts are solid and may be called tumours. This doesn't mean they're cancerous tumour is just the medical name for a swelling . The ovaries are two small, round organs in the female reproductive system that release an egg every month. The egg moves into the uterus where it may be fertilised by a man's sperm. The ovaries also make the hormones oestrogen and progestogen, which help to regulate the menstrual cycle (periods). Many women have ovarian cysts at some time during their lives. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority of ovarian cysts disappear without treatment within a few months. However, ovarian cysts especially those that have ruptured sometimes produce serious symptoms that can be life-threatening. The best way to protect your health is to know the symptoms and types of ovarian cysts that may signal a more significant problem, and to schedule regular pelvic examinations.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, sac-like structures within an ovary . Therefore, all ovarian cysts contain at least some fluid. Although the finding of an ovarian cyst is often upsetting to the patient, the majority of ovarian cysts are not tumours, but rather are simple structures termed functional or physiological cysts. These occur as part of the normal physiological functions of the ovary throughout the menstrual cycle. Benign ovarian (non-functional) cysts include cystic teratomas and endometriomas ('chocolate cysts'). The most common symptom of an ovarian cyst is pain in the abdomen. Ovarian cysts are almost never cancerous when they occur in women of reproductive age. However, your doctor should investigate any pelvic pain. In addition to functional cysts, there are several less common types of ovarian cysts. Endometriosis can cause cysts on the ovary. Polycystic ovarian syndrome a condition where many cysts appear in the ovaries, is discussed elsewhere in the Pelvic Health Centre.

Causes of Ovarian Cyst

The common Causes of Ovarian Cyst :

• A history of previous ovarian cysts with symptoms should be correlated with the current presentation and symptoms.
• Tamoxifen can cause benign functional ovarian cysts that usually resolve following discontinuation of treatment.
• Hypothyroidism
• Functional ovarian cysts develop during the course of the menstrual cycle.
• Hormonal imbalances
• Risk factors for ovarian cystadenocarcinoma include strong family history, advancing age, white race, infertility, nulliparity, a history of breast cancer, and BRCA gene mutations.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst

Some common Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst :

• Dull pain in the lower abdomen or discomfort.
• Pain with intercourse or pelvic pain during movement.
• Infertility.
• periods or spotting.
• Fatigue.
• Weight gain.
• Increased facial hair.
• Pain during bowel movements.

Treatment of Ovarian Cyst

• Ultrasound is used to determine the treatment strategy for ovarian cysts .
• Pain caused by ovarian cysts may be treated at home with pain relievers, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or narcotic pain medicine (by prescription).
• The patient waits and gets re-examined in one to three months to see if the cyst has changed in size. This is a common treatment option for women .
• Ultrasonic observation or endovaginal ultrasound are used repeatedly and frequently to monitor the growth of the cyst
• The tumor can be removed either with laparoscopy , or if needed, an open laparotomy (using and incision at the bikini line) if it is causing severe pain, not resolving, or if it is suspicious in any way.

Follicular Cysts

Sometimes an ovarian follicle that does not release its ovum continues to fill with clear fluid and becomes larger than the usual 1.5 cm of the normal mature follicle, so that the follicle becomes an ovarian cyst. Small cysts usually cause no problems, and are often found by chance during a routine pelvic examination

Because most follicular cysts less than 7 cm in diameter disappear spontaneously within a couple of months, cysts that cause no symptoms need no treatment, though they are usually checked after 6 to 8 weeks to make sure that they are subsiding. Follicular cysts rarely become bigger than the size of a tennis ball, but are occasionally grapefruit-size or larger, when they can cause dull pelvic aching and symptoms (such as the need to pass urine fre-quently) from pressure on nearby organs. Surgical removal is recommended for cysts larger than 7 cm because they do not usually go away by themselves, or take a very long time to do so.

Corpus Luteum Cysts

Sometimes, following the release of the ovum, the ruptured follicle may fill with fluid (often bloodstained) after it has sealed to form the corpus luteum. The normal corpus luteum produces progesterone for the following 10 to 12 days to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If conception does not occur, it degenerates so that menstruation occurs and the next menstrual cycle begins, corpus luteum cysts disturb hormone production and are therefore more likely to be associated with menstrual irregularities (early or late periods, or intermittent spotting or bleeding); but, like follicular cysts, they usually disappear without treatment.

Follicular and corpus luteum cysts are often called physiological or functional cysts because they form during normal proesses in the ovary. However, sometimes these simple cysts can become complicated. A cyst that is attached to the ovary by a narrow stalk may twist or rupture, causing sudden and severe abdominal pain. Rupture associated with bleeding into the abdominal cavity can cause severe SHOCK. These are emergencies that need immediate surgery. Occasionally a cyst can leak slowly, resulting in less acute symptoms that are often hard to distinguish without special tests from the symptoms of mild appendicitis, pelvic infection or ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy developing outside the uterus). Laparotomy (opening the abdomen) usually unravels the puzzle

One of the good side effects of the contraceptive pill is that, because it prevents follicle development and ovulation, it also prevents follicular and corpus luteum cysts and their complications