Growths that form on or inside the ovaries are known as ovarian cysts. Cysts come in a variety of forms. Common, unrelated to an illness, and formed as a result of ovulation are functional cysts. Cysts brought on by ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome can be considered disease-related cysts.
An ovarian cyst is what?
An ovarian cyst is a sac that develops on or within one of the ovaries and is filled with liquid or a semisolid substance. The ovaries are tiny structures in the pelvis that contain egg cells and produce female hormones.
There are various cyst forms, many of which are common and unharmful (benign). Ovulation results in functional cysts, which are not caused by a disease (the release of an egg from the ovary). Without specialized therapy, functional cysts often decrease with time—typically within 60 days.
Functional ovarian cysts, albeit quite frequent, should not be mistaken with cysts linked to other diseases. Growths on the ovaries are also a symptom of diseases including ovarian cancer and polycystic ovary syndrome. If you experience any of the symptoms described in the symptoms section, let your healthcare professional know. The type of cyst you have can be identified by him or her.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
What triggers ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts’ precise etiology is unknown.
What signs indicate an ovarian cyst?
Some tiny cysts go unnoticed. You can be unaware that you have a cyst in these circumstances. The following symptoms may be brought on by larger cysts:
Back discomfort or a dull ache in the pelvis
Bloating or a sense of fullness in your lower tummy.
Pain during sexual activity.
Difficult times.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder that may cause some persistent symptoms. This disorder results in irregular menstrual cycles and other hormone-related issues, such as obesity and infertility. The inability to lose weight and hirsutism (increased body hair development) are two additional signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
What
The abdomen may experience excruciating pain and swelling if a cyst bursts. The cyst frequently disappears by itself.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
How are ovarian cysts identified?
Prior to treating you, your doctor will rule out pregnancy as the source of your symptoms. Then, in order to identify an ovarian cyst, he or she might perform the following tests:
Pelvic examination: In order to inspect the vagina, cervix, and uterus during this examination, the doctor widens the vagina using an instrument. The reproductive organs are often felt by the clinician to check for lumps or other alterations.
A blood test: These tests are performed to evaluate the blood’s levels of certain hormones.
Ultrasound: This examination produces images of the inside organs of the body using sound waves. On the ovaries, it can be utilized to find cysts.
Laparoscopy: This is a surgical procedure in which a small instrument is inserted into the patient’s belly through a cut or incision. Using the tool, he or she can see the pelvic area and reproductive organs. At this point, if a cyst is discovered, it can be excised.
TREATMENT MANAGEMENT
How is a cyst in the ovaries treated?
Functional ovarian cysts typically go away without any medical intervention. To stop ovulation and stop cyst formation in the future, your doctor may prescribe hormone-containing medications (such as birth control pills). Functional cysts cannot form if you do not ovulate.
Surgery could occasionally be required to remove a cyst.
Which surgical procedures are employed to treat ovarian cysts?
The size of the cyst and how it appears on the ultrasound determine the kind of surgery that is performed. The many techniques employed consist of:
Through a tiny abdominal incision, a small gadget is inserted by the doctor during a laparoscopy operation. Using the tool, he or she can see the reproductive system and the pelvic area. Through teeny incisions, the physician can extract the cyst.
A larger incision is made during a laparotomy to remove the cyst. The cyst will undergo a cancer screening. The uterus, one or both ovaries, the omentum, a fold of fatty tissue, and several lymph nodes could need to be removed if it is cancer. Small, bean-shaped lymph nodes are present throughout the body and create and store cells that fight infections, yet they may also contain cancer cells.
PREVENTION
Is ovarian cyst prevention possible?
Ovulation will halt if you take hormone-containing drugs, such as birth control tablets. Many women who use low-dose oral contraceptives, though, might still ovulate. Despite the lack of evidence, many doctors continue to recommend oral contraceptive tablets to prevent the development of ovarian cysts.
When should I make a call to my doctor?
If any of the following take place, get in touch with your doctor:
Your menstrual cycles are erratic, painful, or late.
You continue to experience stomach ache.
You develop an enlarged or bloated abdomen.
You struggle to completely urinate or empty your bladder.
Having a sexual encounter hurts.
You feel pressure, discomfort, or fullness (bloating) in your abdomen.
You drop weight seemingly out of nowhere.
In general, you feel sick.
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