Ovarian cyst

Ovarian cyst

Irregular painful menstruation and lower abdominal pain are typical symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
However, this pathology is sometimes asymptomatic.

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled cavity. Usually, cysts arise from maturing follicles in the ovary. It is noteworthy that most cysts are safe for women’s health, often disappearing (passing) on ​​their own without any treatment; Such cysts are called functional or temporary cysts. They usually occur as a result of disruption of ovulation (maturation of a follicle in the ovary). At this time the follicle continues to grow, and fluid accumulates in the corpus luteum. Functional cysts disappear on their own and do not require treatment. However, the development of complications such as rupture of the cyst, convulsions, internal bleeding is not ruled out.

Serious pathology that requires specific treatment are abnormal cysts. The reason for their development is hormonal disorders in the female body. Abnormal cysts are those that do not go away in 3 months. They are treated both medically and surgically.

What is an ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cyst is considered a benign growth. It develops as a result of fluid accumulation in the ovarian tissue. The wall of the cyst forms a thin layer of cells. It is these cells that secrete fluid from the cyst. If the cyst does not put pressure on other organs, it is not touched (touched) and treated with medication. If there is a risk of the cyst affecting other organs, then the cyst is punctured or surgically excised. Ovarian cysts can be small or large in size – 10-12 cm in diameter.

Types of ovarian cysts:

Follicular cyst

Ovarian follicular cysts can develop if ovulation does not occur. These types of cysts develop in girls during puberty. Follicular cysts less than 4-6 cm in diameter are usually asymptomatic. Hormonally active cysts may increase estrogen levels, disrupt the menstrual cycle, women may develop uterine bleeding, and girls 10 years of age and older may prematurely mature. If the follicular cyst is 8 cm or more in diameter, the cyst may have collapsed at the foot. This leads to circulatory disorders, ovarian necrosis and even rupture of the cyst. Most often follicular cysts are formed during ovulation and grow up to 5-7 cm in diameter.

When the cyst ruptures, severe pain develops in the ovary. The follicular cyst disappears on its own over time, however, it needs ultrasound (ultrasound) control and if it does not disappear, its timely and correct treatment.

Yellow body cyst

A corpus luteum cyst usually develops after the egg leaves the follicle, physiologically after this process the follicle transforms into a corpus luteum, if pregnancy has not developed, the corpus luteum is absorbed (disintegrated) and disappears. However, it also happens that it stays in the ovary and is filled with fluid or blood. Because women usually mature into one egg, a corpus luteum cyst develops in one ovary (i.e., is unilateral) and is mostly asymptomatic.

Dermoid cyst

Dermoid cyst is characterized by a thick-walled capsule, may include hair, hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Its diameter may even reach 15 cm. It is usually unilateral, ie it develops on one side, is characterized by slow growth and high inflammation. They are usually detected in young women and girls during puberty. Dermoid cyst is an anomaly of embryonic development.

Endometrial cyst

An endometrial cyst is actually part of endometriosis. At this time, the endometrial tissue inside the uterus is inserted into the ovary. Endometrial cysts are often bilateral, meaning they develop in both ovaries. Its diameter reaches from 4-5 cm to 15-20 cm.

What characterizes an ovarian cyst?

The main symptom characteristic of an ovarian cyst is a dull pain in the lower abdomen, as well as a feeling of pressure and fullness from the inside. Irregular painful menstruation and sometimes abdominal bloating also confirm the presence of a cyst.

In the presence of an ovarian cyst, the following may be clinically detected:

N. Sudden intense pain in the lower abdomen during sexual contact or physical activity;

N. Frequent urination;

N. in some cases weight gain;

N. nausea, vomiting;

N. increase in temperature;

N. Stretching of the anterior abdominal wall;

N. Increased heart rate (tachycardia).

Statistics show that ovarian cysts are diagnosed in 30% of women with regular menstruation and 50% of women with irregular menstrual cycles. The incidence of ovarian cysts decreases to 6% after menopause.

Ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic and are often detected by ultrasound. Therefore, periodic prophylactic examination of the small pelvis and consultation with a gynecologist are very important.

See also: Female infertility