Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs located in an ovary. Their appearance is very common in many women, but they normally do not cause health problems and disappear on their own. If they break, they can lead to severe complications.
Most ovarian cysts are generated related to the menstrual cycle (functional cysts). There are several types of ovarian cysts:
Functional cysts: follicular and corpus luteum.
– The follicular cyst appears when the follicle, which must release an egg, does not rupture and grows into a cyst filled with transparent fluid. They usually disappear spontaneously in two or three menstrual cycles.
– Corpus luteum cyst can be generated when the opening of the follicle closes after the release of the egg, which favors the accumulation of fluid inside. It usually disappears but sometimes it grows more than 4 centimeters in diameter with the risk of bleeding or becoming the cause of ovarian torsion. If it fills with blood, the cyst can rupture and cause bleeding. The generation of the cyst causes abdominal pain and if it ruptures the pain is very intense.
Other less common cysts are:
– Serous cystadenoma. Thin-walled, watery and smooth. It can be large in size and cause torsion of the ovary.
– Mucinous cystadenoma. Very large round or ovoid mass, with a smooth, translucent surface, blue-gray in color and containing thick liquid.
– Endometrioma. It contains a thick chocolate-colored liquid.
– Dermoid cysts or teratoma. Of embryonic origin. It is made up of sebaceous material mixed with hair, cartilage, bone and teeth.
– Solid tumors: they are less common, such as ovarian fibroma, which is a benign tumor that grows extremely slowly.
Most ovarian cysts do not have any symptoms and go away on their own. If it is large it can cause symptoms such as:
– Menstrual irregularity.
– Constant abdominal and/or pelvic pain, which can radiate to the back or legs and can cause difficulty breathing.
– Premenstrual pain and during menstruation.
– Pain during intercourse.
– Nausea and/or vomiting.
– Abdominal distension.
– Pressure in the rectum or bladder with a feeling of difficulty in completely emptying the bladder of urine.
It is very important to consult immediately or go to the emergency room in case of:
– Sudden, sudden and intense pelvic or abdominal pain.
– Pelvic pain accompanied by fever and/or vomiting.
The doctor can detect the presence of an ovarian cyst thanks to a pelvic exam. Depending on its shape and size, you may request other tests. The most common are pelvic ultrasound, laparoscopy and blood tests. It is also common to perform a pregnancy test to ensure that the patient is not pregnant; test and blood test to detect abnormalities in hormone levels or CA-125 blood test to detect possible ovarian cancer.
Depending on the type of cyst, oral contraceptives or surgery are used to eliminate the cysts. In cases of small cysts a laparoscopy will be considered and in large cysts a laparatomy.
There is no effective way to prevent cysts, but it is advisable to attend regular gynecological check-ups and perform frequent pelvic exams to detect them as early as possible.