Ovarian Cysts

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian Cysts can be categorized into several different types, which include;

• Follicular Cysts - These are generally harmless and caused by the inability of the ovarian follicle to rupture and release the egg.
• Corpus Luteum Cysts - These are temporary cysts that women develop every month during their periods.
• Dermoid Cysts - These cysts are filled with different types of tissue found in our body, like hair, skin, or teeth.
• Endometriomas - These cysts are made up of endometrial tissue, which is generally released by the body during periods.
• Cystadenomas - These are fluid or mucus-filled cysts that form on the surface of the ovary.
• Cancerous Cysts - These malignant cysts are solid masses of cancerous cells that develop within the ovaries.

When should you consider seeing our experts?

Despite having Ovarian Cysts, it is quite possible that you may not experience any symptoms at all, as these tend to be asymptomatic in many cases.

Yet, you need to watch out for the following symptoms and consult our experts at Surya Hospital for a thorough evaluation and precise diagnosis:

• Unusual bloating
• Lower abdominal discomfort
• Painful bowel movements
• Tender/swollen breasts
• Lower back pain
• Irregular periods
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Pain in the thigh
• Pelvic pain prior to or during periods
• Nausea and vomiting

What causes Ovarian Cysts?

Although the specific cause of ovarian cysts is unknown, various variables can raise the risk

.The most significant of these include:

• Hormonal imbalances
• Endometriosis
• Pregnancy
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease and infections

Ovarian Cysts and Cancer

While Ovarian Cysts are not cancerous in the majority of cases, some of these, known as complex ovarian cysts, can be malignant.

The chances of an ovarian cyst being linked to cancer are rare in menstruating women and relatively higher in those who have already hit menopause.

Ovarian Cysts and Fertility

Certain types of Ovarian Cysts can lead to infertility, however, if you have been diagnosed with the problem, it does not necessarily mean that you may face problems with conception.

In most cases, it is not the cyst, but rather the underlying cause that could be responsible for causing infertility, such as Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

How we diagnose you

If you present with symptoms associated with ovarian cysts, our experts will conduct a pelvic examination to assess you. This is followed by imaging tests, which include:

• Computerized tomography or CT scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI

If our team suspects that the cysts are cancerous, a biopsy may be performed by collecting a tissue sample from the ovaries using surgical intervention.

Treatments

The majority of Ovarian Cysts do not require treatment and will go away on their own.

If the Cyst is large, causes symptoms, or is suspected of being malignant, the following treatment methods may be suggested:

• Regular Monitoring - If the cyst is small and not producing any symptoms, the doctor may advise regular monitoring to see whether it disappears on its own.
• Hormonal Birth Control Pills - These are recommended to help regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent the development of ovarian cysts.
• Laparoscopy - This is a minimally invasive surgical treatment in which the cyst is removed through small incisions in the belly.
• Laparotomy - This is a more intrusive surgical treatment in which the cyst is removed by making a wide incision on the belly.
• Oophorectomy - If the cyst is malignant, the entire ovary may need to be removed which is known as oophorectomy