Ovarian cyst

Definition

Ovarian cysts are sacs containing fluid or semisolid material that develop in or on
the surface of an ovary.

Description

Ovarian cysts are common and the vast majorities are harmless. Because they
cause symptoms that may be the same as ovarian tumors that may be cancerous,
ovarian cysts should always be checked out. The most common types of ovarian cysts
are follicular and corpus luteum, which are related to the menstrual cycle. Follicular
cysts occur when the cyst-like follicle on the ovary in which the egg develops does not
burst and release the egg. They are usually small and harmless, disappearing within
two to three menstrual cycles. Corpus luteum cysts occur when the corpus luteum—a
small, yellow body that secretes hormones—doesn't dissolve after the egg is released.
They usually disappear in a few weeks but can grow to more than 4 in (10 cm) in
diameter and may twist the ovary.
Ovarian cysts can develop any time from puberty to menopause, including during
pregnancy. Follicular cysts occur frequently during the years when a woman is
menstruating, and are non- existent in postmenopausal women or any woman who is
not ovulating. Corpus luteum cysts occur occasionally during the menstrual years and
during early pregnancy. (Dermoid cysts, which may contain hair, teeth, or skin derived
from the outer layer of cells of an embryo, are also occasionally found in the ovary.)
Signs and Symptoms

 Ovarian Cysts Causes

 Oral contraceptive/birth control pill use decreases the risk of developing ovarian
cysts because they prevent the ovaries from producing eggs during ovulation. The
following are possible risk factors for developing ovarian cysts: 
 History of previous ovarian cysts
 Irregular menstrual cycles
 Increased upper body fat distribution
 Early menstruation (11 years or younger)
 Infertility
 Hypothyroidism or hormonal imbalance
 Tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer  
 Ovarian Cysts Symptoms
 Usually ovarian cysts do not produce symptoms and are found during a routine
physical exam or are seen by chance on an ultrasound performed for other
reasons.
However, the following symptoms may be present:

 Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which may start and stop and may be severe, sudden,
and sharp.
 Irregular menstrual periods
 Feeling of lower abdominal or pelvic pressure or fullness
 Long-term pelvic pain during menstrual period that may also be felt in the lower
back 
 Pelvic pain after strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse
 Pain or pressure with urination or bowel movements
 Nausea and vomiting
 Vaginal pain or spots of blood from vagina
 Infertility

Surgical Procedure

Salpingectomy is the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes. The fallopian
tubes serve as a passageway for an ovum to travel from the ovary to the uterus. In a unilateral
salpingectomy, only one fallopian tube is removed; in a bilateral salpingectomy, both fallopian tubes
are removed.
Surgery is used to confirm the diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, remove a cyst that is
causing symptoms, and rule out ovarian cancer.

Surgery for an ovarian cyst or growth may be advised in the following situations:

 Ovarian growths (masses) are present in both ovaries.

 An ovarian cyst is larger than 3in.
 An ovarian cyst that is being watched does not get smaller or go away in 2 to 3 months.
 An ultrasound exam suggests that a cyst is not simple functional cyst.

You have an ovarian growth if you:

 Have never had a menstrual period (for example, a young girl).

 Have been through menopause (postmenopausal woman).
 Use birth control pills (unless you are using low-dose progestin-only pills or have missed a pill,
which would make an ovulation-related functional cyst more likely).
 Your doctor is concerned that ovarian cancer may be present. In this case, it is also
advised that you see a gynecologic oncologist.