Today`s topic is OVARIAN CYST.
Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, Treatment.
An Ovarian Cyst is a large
fluid-filled sac that can develop within or on the ovary. It is of two types. 1.
Simple which means a thin wall filled with fluid. 2. Complex that it
means that it may contain thick fluid blood or solid areas.
How common are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian Cysts are very common most
women will be unaware that they have a cyst as they often cause no symptoms and
usually disappear spontaneously with time but one in ten women may need surgery
at some point in their lives.
What are the Symptoms?
They are often asymptomatic and
found either incidentally during a physical examination by Gynecologists or when
a patient shows some symptoms like nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen,
pelvis, lower back, thigh, or unusual bleeding.
How are they Diagnosed?
As said they are usually diagnosed
by either a physical examination by a gynecologist or by imaging studies such
as a pelvic ultrasound or an MRI.
What are the causes of Ovarian
Cysts?
The most common causes of simple
ovarian cysts are:
1) Hormonal Problems as seen in
Polycystic Ovarian Disease.
2) Endometriosis where the cyst
filled with blood
3) Pregnancy in which a corpus luteal cyst is present to
support the pregnancy initially.
4) Severe Pelvic Infections in which ovaries and fallopian
tubes are stuck together to form a mass.
Can Ovarian Cysts Affect Fertility?
Not all ovarian cysts affect fertility.
Some cells that become very large and require treatment like surgery or
medication may reduce fertility. Polycystic Ovary Disease and endometrioma are
known to affect fertility.
Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Cancer?
Yes, rarely ovarian cysts can be cancerous
the risk increases with age and family history. Postmenopausal women with
ovarian cysts have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
What are the treatment options?
The treatment option is dependent on the
patient's age fertility status, symptoms, and how large the cyst is.
Treatment can be conservative or medical in which patients are told to wait and
watch a majority of the cysts disappear on their own. In cases of a larger cyst
or when symptomatic conditions like pain during periods is present or in cases
of twisting of the ovary then the surgical option is taken. Complex cysts usually required
further evaluation and surgical removal may be needed.
As we know that all ovarian cysts do
not cause infertility. Some cells tend to go on their own and some may be
managed through medications but if a known cause is present like polycystic
ovary syndrome, endometrioma, or some ovarian tumors then a patient should see a
doctor sooner as it may reduce fertility if left untreated in fact a further
plan of fertility treatment should be timely discussed. In cases where patients
are looking for pregnancy, they need to treat with a customized treatment plan.
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