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Ovarian Cyst An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms on or inside of an ovary.

Ovarian cysts are somewhat common, and are more common during a woman's childbearing years (from puberty to menopause). Ovarian cysts are less common after menopause. 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 (Soltamox) therapy for breast cancer

Oral contraceptive/birth control pill use decreases the risk of developing ovarian cysts because they prevent the ovaries from producing eggs during ovulation.

Types of Ovarian Cysts The most common types of ovarian cysts are the following: Follicular cyst: This type of simple cyst can form when ovulation does not occur or when a mature follicle involutes (collapses on itself). A follicular cyst usually forms at the time of ovulation and can grow to about 2.3 inches in diameter. The rupture of this type of cyst can create sharp severe pain on the side of the ovary on which the cyst appears. This sharp pain (sometimes called mittelschmerz) occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, during ovulation. Usually, these cysts produce no symptoms and disappear by themselves within a few months. Corpus luteum cyst: This type of functional ovarian cyst occurs after an egg has been released from a follicle. After this happens, the follicle becomes what is known as a corpus luteum. If a pregnancy doesn't occur, the corpus luteum usually breaks down and disappears. It may, however, fill with fluid or blood and persist on the ovary. Usually, this cyst is found on only one side and produces no symptoms. Hemorrhagic cyst: This type of functional cyst occurs when bleeding occurs within a cyst. Symptoms such as abdominal pain on one side of the body may be present with this type of cyst. Dermoid cyst: This is a type of benign tumor sometimes referred to as mature cystic teratoma. It is an abnormal cyst that usually affects younger women and may grow to 6 inches in diameter. A dermoid cyst can contain other types of growths of body tissues such as fat and occasionally bone, hair, and cartilage. These cysts can become inflamed. They can also

twist around (a condition known as ovarian torsion), compromising their blood supply and causing severe abdominal pain. Endometriomas or endometrioid cysts: Part of the condition known asendometriosis, this type of cyst is formed when endometrial tissue (the lining tissue of the uterus) is present on the ovaries. It affects women during the reproductive years and may cause chronic pelvic pain associated with menstruation. Polycystic-appearing ovary: Polycystic-appearing ovary is diagnosed based on its enlarged size - usually twice that of normal - with small cysts present around the outside of the ovary. This condition can be found in healthy women and in women with hormonal (endocrine) disorders. An ultrasound is used to view the ovary in diagnosing this condition. Cystadenoma: A cystadenoma is a type of benign tumor that develops from ovarian tissue. They may be filled with a mucous-type fluid material. Cystadenomas can become very large and may measure 12 inches or more in diameter.

Symptoms Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are typically pain or a late period. An ovarian cyst is more likely to cause pain if it:

Becomes large Bleeds Breaks open Is bumped during sexual intercourse Is twisted or causes twisting (torsion) of the Fallopian tube

Symptoms of ovarian cysts can include:


Bloating or swelling in the abdomen Pain during bowel movements Pain in the pelvis shortly before or after beginning a menstrual period Pain with intercourse or pelvic pain during movement Pelvic pain -- constant, dull aching Sudden and severe pelvic pain, often with nausea and vomiting, may be a sign of torsion or twisting of the ovary on its blood supply, or rupture of a cyst with internal bleeding

Diagnostic Tests Ultrasound is done on many patients to diagnose a cyst. Other imaging tests that may be done when needed include CT scan and MRI. A pelvic examination may also be performed upon initial physical assessment. Blood tests like CA-125 may also be performed to check for the possibility of cancer. Treatment Functional ovarian cysts usually don't need treatment. They usually disappear within 8 - 12 weeks without treatment. Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) may be prescribed for 4 - 6 weeks. Longer term use may decrease the development of new ovarian cysts. Birth control pills do not decrease the size of current cysts, which often will go away on their own. Types of surgery for ovarian cysts include:

Exploratory laparotomy Pelvic laparoscopy to remove the cyst or the ovary

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