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An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. These cysts can develop before and after post-menopause. Ovarian cysts develop in around 20% of women once in their lifetime. By the age of 65 years, about 4% of women get admitted to hospital for ovarian cysts. It may sometimes result in complications but commonly remains asymptomatic and gets discovered accidentally while imaging. In some cases, ovarian cysts may lead to certain complications requiring medical intervention.
Visit a top hospital if you require ovarian cyst treatment.
Depending on the Origin of an Ovarian Cyst, There are Two Types of Ovarian Cysts
Functional Cysts
These are the most common type of ovarian cysts and often develop as a result of normal menstrual cycle processes. During ovulation, ovaries release an egg each month, a follicle inside the ovary. This follicle bursts to release an egg, but sometimes the egg isn't released or the follicle doesn't shrink after the release of an egg. This follicle left behind may swell due to fluid accumulation which forms a functional ovarian cyst. Two functional ovarian cyst types are follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
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Follicular Cysts
These cysts form when the follicle, which normally releases an egg during ovulation, fails to rupture or release the egg. Instead, the follicle continues to grow, forming a cyst.
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Corpus Luteum Cysts
These cysts develop when the follicle releases the egg but doesn't shrink as it should. Instead, it seals off and fills with fluid, forming a cyst.
Pathological Ovarian Cysts
It is an abnormal cell growth without any relation to the menstrual cycle. This abnormal growth can arise from the cells of the ovary's outer surface or the egg cells.
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Dermoid Cysts
Also known as mature cystic teratomas, dermoid cysts are formed from embryonic cells and can contain various types of tissues, such as hair, skin, teeth, and even bone. These cysts are generally benign and can grow quite large.
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Endometriomas
Endometriomas, also called chocolate cysts, develop in women with endometriosis - a condition when the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it. When this tissue attaches to the ovaries, it can form cysts filled with dark, old blood.
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Cystadenomas
Cystadenomas are cysts that develop from cells on the surface of the ovary. They can be classified as serous cystadenomas (filled with thin, watery fluid) or mucinous cystadenomas (filled with thick, sticky fluid). While most cystadenomas are benign, some can be cancerous.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that can cause the ovaries to develop small cysts. These cysts are usually multiple and relatively small. The condition is characterized by other symptoms such as irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and infertility.
How to Identify an Ovarian Cyst?
Ovarian cyst tends to be mostly asymptomatic. However, ovarian cyst symptoms may arise in the following cases:
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If the cyst ruptures
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Cyst is large and blocks the blood supply to the ovaries.
In such cases, the symptoms that arise are:
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Pelvic pain
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Pain during sexual intercourse.
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Difficulty emptying your bowels.
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Frequent need to urinate
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Heavy periods, irregular periods, or lighter periods than normal.
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Bloating and a swollen tummy.
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Feeling full after only eating a little.
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Difficulty getting pregnant.
An ultrasound can confirm the presence of ovarian cysts in patients with the above symptoms.
What Are the Risk Factors for Ovarian Cyst Development?
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Infertility treatment
Patients who are under treatment to treat infertility may develop cysts as part of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
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Pregnancy
Due to the rise in HCG levels, ovarian cysts may form in the second trimester.
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Hypothyroidism
It may also be a cause of ovarian cyst formation.
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Cigarette smoking
It can also trigger ovarian cyst formation.
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Tubal ligation
It can also give rise to functional cysts.
What Are the Treatment Options for Ovarian Cysts?
The treatment options for ovarian cysts depend upon the age of the patient, the size of the cyst(s), and menopausal status. Most cysts are managed medically. Cysts that develop post-menopause have a high risk of being malignant and need to be investigated. Surgery is only required if the cyst is large or causing complications such as ovarian torsion or cyst rupture. There are two types of surgery:
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Cystectomy (only the cyst is removed).
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Oophorectomy (when the ovary and the cyst both are removed).
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If the cyst turns cancerous, the surgeon may remove the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries through surgical intervention along with the need for radiation and chemotherapy.
Prevention Tips to Follow
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Certain habits may increase the risk of developing ovarian cysts, while others can help avoid it.
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Smoking and drinking alcohol is a habit associated with most health problems, with ovarian cysts also being one.
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Eating high-fibre food is great for staying away from most diseases.
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Cruciferous vegetables have been shown to help regulate hormonal balance.
Overall ovarian cyst presence in itself may not be anything to worry about. However, the symptomatic cysts that trouble patients require a consultation with the concerned gynaecologist to rule out any serious condition or complications. The treatment modalities vary as per the cyst's size, the patient's age, and some other factors. A healthy lifestyle is a great way to avoid ovarian cysts by regulating a good hormonal balance.
FAQs
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Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?
The presence of ovarian cysts does not prevent pregnancy but cysts caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may cause infertility or difficulty conceiving.
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Are ovarian cysts cancerous?
Most ovarian cysts are benign and silent. But rarely, ovarian cysts may be cancerous. The doctor may advise further testing if required.
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Can ovarian cysts cause pain?
An ovarian cyst can cause pain if it ruptures or if the size of the cyst is large enough to compress the ovary or block its blood supply. In such cases, medical intervention is required immediately.
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