What is Ovarian cysts ? What are the different types of ovarian cysts? 12 facts you should know about ovarian cysts ?
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary. They are common and usually form during ovulation. Ovulation happens when the ovary releases an egg each month. ManyWOMEN
with ovarian cysts don't have symptoms. The cysts are usually harmless.
with ovarian cysts don't have symptoms. The cysts are usually harmless.
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. It can form in many places in the body. Ovarian cysts form in or on the ovaries.
The most common types of ovarian cysts (called functional cysts) form during the menstrual cycle. They are usually benign (not cancerous).
The two most common types of cysts are:
- Follicle cysts. In a normal menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg each month. The egg grows inside a tiny sac called a follicle. When the egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg. Follicle cysts form when the follicle doesn't break open to release the egg. This causes the follicle to continue growing into a cyst. Follicle cysts often have no symptoms and go away in one to three months.
- Corpus luteum cysts. Once the follicle breaks open and releases the egg, the empty follicle sac shrinks into a mass of cells called corpus luteum. Corpus luteum makes hormones to prepare for the next egg for the next menstrual cycle. Corpus luteum cysts form if the sac doesn't shrink. Instead, the sac reseals itself after the egg is released, and then fluid builds up inside. Most corpus luteum cysts go away after a few weeks. But, they can grow to almost four inches wide. They also may bleed or twist the ovary and cause pain. Some medicines used to cause ovulation can raise the risk of getting these cysts.
Other types of benign ovarian cysts are less common:
- Endometriomas are caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis happens when the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus.
- Dermoids come from cells present from birth and do not usually cause symptoms.
- Cystadenomas are filled with watery fluid and can sometimes grow large.
In someWOMEN, the ovaries make many small cysts. This is called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause problems with the ovaries and with getting pregnant.
, the ovaries make many small cysts. This is called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause problems with the ovaries and with getting pregnant.
Malignant (cancerous) cysts are rare. They are more common in older women. Cancerous cysts are ovarian cancer. For this reason, ovarian cysts should be checked by your doctor. Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous.
Ovarian cysts are common in women with regular periods. In fact, most women make at least one follicle or corpus luteum cyst every month. You may not be aware that you have a cyst unless there is a problem that causes the cyst to grow or if multiple cysts form. About 8% of premenopausal women develop large cysts that need treatment.1
Ovarian cysts are less common after menopause. Postmenopausal women with ovarian cysts are at higher risk for ovarian cancer.
At any age, see your doctor if you think you have a cyst. See your doctor also if you have symptoms such as bloating, needing to urinate more often, pelvic pressure or pain, or abnormal (unusual) vaginal bleeding. These can be signs of a cyst or other serious problem.
The most common causes of ovarian cysts include:
- Hormonal problems. Functional cysts usually go away on their own without treatment. They may be caused by hormonal problems or by drugs used to help you ovulate.
- Endometriosis. Women with endometriosis can develop a type of ovarian cyst called an endometrioma. The endometriosis tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. These cysts can be painful during sex and during your period.
- Pregnancy. An ovarian cyst normally develops in early pregnancy to help support the pregnancy until the placenta forms. Sometimes, the cyst stays on the ovary until later in the pregnancy and may need to be removed.
- Severe pelvic infections. Infections can spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes and cause cysts to form.
Most ovarian cysts are small and don't cause symptoms.
If a cyst does cause symptoms, you may have pressure, bloating, swelling, or pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst. This pain may be sharp or dull and may come and go.
If a cyst ruptures, it can cause sudden, severe pain.
If a cyst causes twisting of an ovary, you may have pain along with nausea and vomiting.
Less common symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain
- Dull ache in the lower back and thighs
- Problems emptying the bladder or bowel completely
- Pain during sex
- Unexplained weight gain
- Pain during your period
- Unusual (not normal) vaginal bleeding
- Breast tenderness
- Needing to urinate more often
If you have symptoms of ovarian cysts, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may do a pelvic exam to feel for swelling of a cyst on your ovary.
If a cyst is found, your doctor will either watch and wait orORDER tests to help plan treatment. Tests include:
tests to help plan treatment. Tests include:- Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create images of the body. With ultrasound, your doctor can see the cyst's:
- Shape
- Size
- Location
- Mass (whether it is fluid-filled, solid, or mixed)
- Pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy
- Hormone level tests to see if there are hormone-related problems
- Blood test. If you are past menopause, your doctor may give you a test to measure the amount of cancer-antigen 125 (CA-125) in your blood. The amount of CA-125 is higher with ovarian cancer. In premenopausalWOMEN, many other illnesses or diseases besides cancer can cause higher levels of CA-125.
Yes, sometimes. If your doctor told you that you have an ovarian cyst and you have any of the following symptoms, get medical help right away:
- Pain with fever and vomiting
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Faintness, dizziness, or weakness
- Rapid breathing
These symptoms could mean that your cyst has broken open, or ruptured. Sometimes, large, ruptured cysts can cause heavy bleeding.
Maybe. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 5% to 10% ofWOMEN have surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. Only 13% to 21% of these cysts are cancerous.2
have surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. Only 13% to 21% of these cysts are cancerous.2
Your cyst may require surgery if you are past menopause or if your cyst:
- Does not go away after several menstrual cycles
- Gets larger
- Looks unusual on the ultrasound
- Causes pain
If your cyst does not require surgery, your doctor may:
- Talk to you about pain medicine. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicine or prescribe stronger medicine for pain relief.
- Prescribe hormonal birth control if you have cysts often. Hormonal birth control, such as the pill, vaginal ring, shot, or patch, help prevent ovulation. This may lower your chances of getting more cysts.
If your cyst requires surgery, your doctor will either remove just the cyst or the entire ovary.
Surgery can be done in two different ways:
- Laparoscopy (lap-uh-ROSS-kuh-pee). With this surgery, the doctor makes a very small cut above or below your belly button to look inside your pelvic area and remove the cyst. This is often recommended for smaller cysts that look benign (not cancerous) on the ultrasound.
- Laparotomy (lap-uh-ROT-uh-mee). Your doctor may choose this method if the cyst is large and may be cancerous. This surgery uses a larger cut in the abdomen to remove the cyst. The cyst is then tested for cancer. If it is likely to be cancerous, it is best to see a gynecologic oncologist, who may need to remove the ovary and other tissues, like the uterus.
Yes, some ovarian cysts can become cancerous. But most ovarian cysts are not cancerous.
The risk for ovarian cancer increases as you get older.WOMEN who are past menopause with ovarian cysts have a higher risk for ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk for ovarian cancer. Screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended for most women.3 This is because testing can lead to “false positives.” A false positive is a test result that says a woman has ovarian cancer when she does not.
who are past menopause with ovarian cysts have a higher risk for ovarian cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk for ovarian cancer. Screening for ovarian cancer is not recommended for most women.3 This is because testing can lead to “false positives.” A false positive is a test result that says a woman has ovarian cancer when she does not.
Typically, no. Most ovarian cysts do not affect your chances of getting pregnant. Sometimes, though, the illness causing the cyst can make it harder to get pregnant. Two conditions that cause ovarian cysts and affect fertility are:
- Endometriosis, which happens when the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside of the uterus. Cysts caused by endometriosis are called endometriomas.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the leading causes of infertility (problems getting pregnant). Women with PCOS often have many small cysts on their ovaries.
Ovarian cysts are common during pregnancy. Typically, these cysts are benign (not cancerous) and harmless.4 Ovarian cysts that continue to grow during pregnancy can rupture or twist or cause problems during childbirth. Your doctor will monitor any ovarian cyst found during pregnancy.
No, you cannot prevent functional ovarian cysts if you are ovulating. If you get ovarian cysts often, your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control to stop you from ovulating. This will help lower your risk of getting new cyst
12 facts you should know about ovarian cysts
Anterior view of uterus, fallopian tube, ovary, cervix.
Maria Masters – Unless you're hoping to have a child (or just saw a picture of an adorable baby), you probably don't give your ovaries much thought. So it might be a little unsettling to realize that around the time when you're menstruating, there's a good chance that you'll develop an ovarian cyst and never realize it. But before you freak, know this: It's usually harmless.
Still, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't learn more what's going on inside your own body every month. And in some cases, ovarian cysts can cause pelvic pain and more serious complications. Here's everything you should know about this super-common cyst.
Wait, ovaries and fallopian tubes? Refresh my memory…
Since biology class was a long time ago, here's a quick primer: Inside your pelvis, your uterus is flanked by two ovaries, each one roughly the size of an almond. During your childbearing years, one of your ovaries will swaddle an egg in a fluid-filled space called a follicle, then release the egg into a fallopian tube about once a month. That follicle basically self-combusts afterward and is absorbed into the body.
Since biology class was a long time ago, here's a quick primer: Inside your pelvis, your uterus is flanked by two ovaries, each one roughly the size of an almond. During your childbearing years, one of your ovaries will swaddle an egg in a fluid-filled space called a follicle, then release the egg into a fallopian tube about once a month. That follicle basically self-combusts afterward and is absorbed into the body.
Right, so how does the cyst form?
Pretty easily, actually.
Pretty easily, actually.
"Your body basically sets you up to get ovarian cysts," said Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine .
If the follicle doesn't release the egg, then it can grow bigger and develop into a follicle cyst. Or, you can also develop what's called a corpus luteum cyst, a cavity that forms after the follicle ruptures and releases the egg. These cysts can bleed and cause pain the pelvic area. Usually, these things disappear in under a few weeks and are pretty small (often about 1 to 2 millimeters), but it's possible to have a larger cyst that can measure into the inches, too.
Anything else?
Yes. It's also possible to develop something called a dermoid cyst, which forms when cells in the ovary start dividing, even though they haven't been fertilized. These aren't common, Minkin said, but they can grow larger—even up to 10 centimeters, or almost 4 inches. And since this type of cyst contains the genetic material for a human life, you can find hair and teeth inside them, she says. Dermoid cysts that are large or cause other problems may need to be surgically removed.
Yes. It's also possible to develop something called a dermoid cyst, which forms when cells in the ovary start dividing, even though they haven't been fertilized. These aren't common, Minkin said, but they can grow larger—even up to 10 centimeters, or almost 4 inches. And since this type of cyst contains the genetic material for a human life, you can find hair and teeth inside them, she says. Dermoid cysts that are large or cause other problems may need to be surgically removed.
How do I know if I have an ovarian cyst?
Oftentimes, you won't. Many functional ovarian cysts won't trigger any symptoms, and "the vast majority of the time, they go away on their own," Minkin said. And in case you're wondering, follicle cysts don't often cause any changes to your menstrual cycle, though you might experience some bleeding if you have a corpus luteum cyst.
Oftentimes, you won't. Many functional ovarian cysts won't trigger any symptoms, and "the vast majority of the time, they go away on their own," Minkin said. And in case you're wondering, follicle cysts don't often cause any changes to your menstrual cycle, though you might experience some bleeding if you have a corpus luteum cyst.
Then how does anyone find out they have a cyst in the first place?
Ovarian cysts can turn up at a routine gyno visit—doctors might find the bigger ones during a pelvic exam (a surprisingly controversial procedure these days) or spot them after a luckily-timed ultrasound. But other women will experience symptoms from their cysts—mainly pain in the pelvic or abdominal areas—and those are the patients that usually wind up in their gyno's office.
Ovarian cysts can turn up at a routine gyno visit—doctors might find the bigger ones during a pelvic exam (a surprisingly controversial procedure these days) or spot them after a luckily-timed ultrasound. But other women will experience symptoms from their cysts—mainly pain in the pelvic or abdominal areas—and those are the patients that usually wind up in their gyno's office.
"Most of the ovarian cysts I find [in my practice] are from patients who tell me they're experiencing pain," Minkin said.
What other ovarian cyst symptoms I should know about?
There are also more severe symptoms of ovarian cysts, like a fever, nausea, and vomiting. Those are all signs that you may have an infection, and you should get to a doctor ASAP.
There are also more severe symptoms of ovarian cysts, like a fever, nausea, and vomiting. Those are all signs that you may have an infection, and you should get to a doctor ASAP.
But one of the scenarios that worries experts the most, Minkin said, is when the cyst causes an ovary to "twist," which could not only cause an infection, but could cut off the blood supply to the ovary, which can cause permanent damage. It's a problem known as adnexal torsion, and it's just as serious as it sounds. If that occurs—and it's not common—you'll likely feel a sudden pain in your abdomen and may also have some nausea. If this happens, you'll want to let your doctor know about it right away as it's considered a medical emergency.
How does my doctor test me for a cyst?
Oftentimes, your doctor will confirm that you have a cyst after giving you a vaginal ultrasound; the image of the cyst shows up on the scan. But it's also possible that, if you're in pain, your gyno will suspect that you have a cyst based on your symptoms alone.
Oftentimes, your doctor will confirm that you have a cyst after giving you a vaginal ultrasound; the image of the cyst shows up on the scan. But it's also possible that, if you're in pain, your gyno will suspect that you have a cyst based on your symptoms alone.
Either way, your doctor might decide to take a watchful waiting approach, and simply monitor the cyst for a few weeks or month. "We try to avoid operating on someone unless we have to," Minkin said.
What if I need surgery?
You might need to go under the knife, especially if you're at risk for "twisting," Minkin said. Your doctor might also consider it if the cyst has lingered for longer than three menstrual cycles, it's bigger than 4 inches, or if there's any suspicion that the mass could be a tumor. (More on that later.)
You might need to go under the knife, especially if you're at risk for "twisting," Minkin said. Your doctor might also consider it if the cyst has lingered for longer than three menstrual cycles, it's bigger than 4 inches, or if there's any suspicion that the mass could be a tumor. (More on that later.)
If you do need surgery, you'll likely undergo one of two procedures: a laparoscopy or a laparotomy. Both will require general anesthesia.
Is there any way I can prevent them?
Maybe. If you're not pregnant, then taking birth control pills might help.
Maybe. If you're not pregnant, then taking birth control pills might help.
"They suppress ovulation," Minkin said, and that might prevent a cyst from forming in the first place.
That said, birth control pills won't help a cyst go away faster, according to a 2014 study from the Cochrane Collaboration. In the past, some doctors recommended BC as a treatment option for ovarian cysts, but the researchers of the 2014 study said that this advice was based on less-than-stellar data and that a better strategy was that of watchful waiting.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
About 7 percent of women may have this hormonal disorder, according to a 2004 study in the Journal Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Like its name implies, people with the condition can develop multiple ovarian cysts. They also can have irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, and symptoms like a deepened voice and increase in body hair (both of which tend to show up when a person has high levels of male hormones). But keep in mind, this is a hormonal syndrome—it's not synonymous with having multiple cysts during your lifetime.
About 7 percent of women may have this hormonal disorder, according to a 2004 study in the Journal Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Like its name implies, people with the condition can develop multiple ovarian cysts. They also can have irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, and symptoms like a deepened voice and increase in body hair (both of which tend to show up when a person has high levels of male hormones). But keep in mind, this is a hormonal syndrome—it's not synonymous with having multiple cysts during your lifetime.
Can I still get ovarian cysts if I'm past menopause?
Most of the time, cysts develop in pre-menopausal women. But it's still possible to get them as you age, perhaps especially in the earlier post-menopausal years. In fact, one 2010 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology concluded that they might be fairly common. After looking at the transvaginal ultrasound test results of nearly 16,000 women who were older than 55, the researchers found that about 14 percent of the subjects had a cyst at their first screening. About one-third of those cysts disappeared the following year.
The bottom line: Ovarian cysts still make an appearance in women after menopause—and doctors shouldn't automatically assume that all of them are cancerous.
Most of the time, cysts develop in pre-menopausal women. But it's still possible to get them as you age, perhaps especially in the earlier post-menopausal years. In fact, one 2010 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology concluded that they might be fairly common. After looking at the transvaginal ultrasound test results of nearly 16,000 women who were older than 55, the researchers found that about 14 percent of the subjects had a cyst at their first screening. About one-third of those cysts disappeared the following year.
The bottom line: Ovarian cysts still make an appearance in women after menopause—and doctors shouldn't automatically assume that all of them are cancerous.
Any chance that an ovarian cyst could be cancerous?
Yes, there's a small chance that a cyst could be ovarian cancer. And like many other cancers, your risk does increase with age, Minkin said. (About half of the women who develop it are older than 63.) Each year, about 21,000 women receive this diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. It's also the fifth cause of cancer deaths in women.
Yes, there's a small chance that a cyst could be ovarian cancer. And like many other cancers, your risk does increase with age, Minkin said. (About half of the women who develop it are older than 63.) Each year, about 21,000 women receive this diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society. It's also the fifth cause of cancer deaths in women.
If your doctor is trying to determine whether your cyst is cancerous, she'll probably do an ultrasound first. That test won't definitively prove the mass is, in fact, cancer, but it can help your MD determine whether it's filled with fluid (a functional cyst) or whether it's solid (possibly a tumor).
MORE INFORMATIONS OF OVARIAN CYSTS ?
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What are ovarian cysts?
The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They’re located in the lower abdomen on both sides of the uterus. Women have two ovaries that produce eggs, as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Sometimes, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst will develop on one of the ovaries. Many women will develop at least one cyst during their lifetime. In most cases, cysts are painless and cause no symptoms.
Part 2 of 8
Types of ovarian cysts
There are various types of ovarian cysts, such as dermoid cysts and endometrioma cysts. However, functional cysts are the most common type. The two types of functional cysts include follicle and corpus luteum cysts.
Follicle cyst
During a woman’s menstrual cycle, an egg grows in a sac called a follicle. This sac is located inside the ovaries. In most cases, this follicle or sac breaks open and releases an egg. But if the follicle doesn’t break open, the fluid inside the follicle can form a cyst on the ovary.
Corpus luteum cysts
Follicle sacs typically dissolve after releasing an egg. But if the sac doesn’t dissolve and the opening of the follicle seals, additional fluid can develop inside the sac and this accumulation of fluid causes a corpus luteum cyst.
Other types of ovarian cysts include:
Some women develop a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition means the ovaries contain a large number of small cysts. It can cause the ovaries to enlarge, and if left untreated, polycystic ovaries can cause infertility.
Part 3 of 8
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst
Often times, ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms. However, symptoms can appear as the cyst grows. Symptoms may include:
Severe symptoms of an ovarian cyst that require immediate medical attention include:
These symptoms can indicate a ruptured cyst or an ovarian torsion. Both complications can have serious consequences if not treated early.
Part 4 of 8
Ovarian cyst complications
Most ovarian cysts are benign and naturally go away on their own without treatment. These cysts cause little, if any, symptoms. But in a rare case, your doctor may detect a cancerous cystic ovarian mass during a routine examination.
Ovarian torsion is another rare complication of ovarian cysts. This is when a large cyst causes an ovary to twist or move from its original position. Blood supply to the ovary is cut off, and if not treated, it can cause damage or death to the ovarian tissue. Although uncommon, ovarian torsion accounts for nearly 3 percent of emergency gynecologic surgeries.
Ruptured cysts, which are also rare, can cause intense pain and internal bleeding. This complication increases your risk of an infection and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Part 5 of 8
Diagnosing an ovarian cyst
Your doctor can detect an ovarian cyst during a routine pelvic examination. They may notice swelling on one of your ovaries and order an ultrasound test to confirm the presence of a cyst. An ultrasound test (ultrasonography) is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of your internal organs. Ultrasound tests help determine the size, location, shape, and composition (solid or fluid filled) of a cyst.
Imaging tools used toDIAGNOSE
ovarian cysts include:
ovarian cysts include:
Because the majority of cysts disappear after a few weeks or months, your doctor may not immediately recommend a treatment plan. Instead, they may repeat the ultrasound test in a few weeks or months to check your condition.
If there aren’t any changes in your condition or if the cyst increases in size, your doctor will request additional tests to determine other causes of your symptoms.
These include:
Part 6 of 8
Treatment for an ovarian cyst
Your doctor may recommend treatment to shrink or remove the cyst if it doesn’t go away on its own or if it grows larger.
Birth control pills
If you have recurrent ovarian cysts, your doctor can prescribe oral contraceptives to stop ovulation and prevent the development of new cysts. Oral contraceptives can also reduce your risk of ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer is higher in postmenopausal women.
Laparoscopy
If your cyst is small and results from an imaging test rule out cancer, your doctor can perform a laparoscopy to surgically remove the cyst. The procedure involves your doctor making a tiny incision near your navel and then inserting a small instrument into your abdomen to remove the cyst.
Laparotomy
If you have a large cyst, your doctor can surgically remove the cyst through a large incision in your abdomen. They’ll conduct an immediate biopsy, and if they determine that the cyst is cancerous, they may perform a hysterectomy to remove your ovaries and uterus.
Part 7 of 8
Ovarian cyst prevention
Ovarian cysts can’t be prevented. However, routine gynecologic examinations can detect ovarian cysts early. Benign ovarian cysts don’t become cancerous. However, symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Thus, it’sIMPORTANT to visit your doctor and receive a correct diagnosis. Alert your doctor to symptoms that may indicate a problem, such as:
to visit your doctor and receive a correct diagnosis. Alert your doctor to symptoms that may indicate a problem, such as:
Part 8 of 8
What’s the long-term outlook?
The outlook for premenopausal women with ovarian cysts is good. Most cysts disappear within a few months. However, recurrent ovarian cysts can occur in premenopausal women and women with hormone imbalances.
If left untreated, some cysts can decrease fertility. This is common with endometriomas and polycystic ovary syndrome. To improve fertility, your doctor can remove or shrink the cyst. Functional cysts, cystadenomas, and dermoid cysts do not affect fertility.
Although some doctors take a “wait and see” approach with ovarian cysts, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove and examine any cyst or growth that develops on the ovaries after menopause. This is because the risk of developing a cancerous cyst or ovarian cancer increases after menopause. However, ovarian cysts don’t increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Some doctors will remove a cyst if it’s larger than 5 centimeters in diameter.
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