What is Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs, similar to
blisters, that are common among women during their reproductive
years. They form on the ovaries, the almond-sized organs on each
side of the uterus. Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and
go away without any treatment.
What
Causes Ovarian Cysts?
The normal function of the ovaries is to produce an egg each
month. During the process of ovulation, a cyst-like structure
called a follicle is formed inside the ovary. The mature follicle
ruptures when an egg is released during ovulation. A corpus luteum
forms from the empty follicle, and if pregnancy does not occur,
the corpus luteum dissolves. Sometimes, however, this process does
not conclude appropriately, causing the most common type of
ovarian cyst -- functional ovarian cysts.
Abnormal ovarian cysts, such as polycystic ovarian disease, may
occur as the result of an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen
and progesterone).
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Functional Cysts
These normal cysts will often shrink and disappear within two or
three menstrual cycles. Because this type of cyst is formed
during ovulation, it rarely occurs in menopausal women because
eggs are no longer being produced.
Dermoid Cysts These are ovarian cysts that are
filled with various types of tissues, including hair and skin.
Endometrioma Cysts These cysts are also known as the
"chocolate cysts" of endometriosis, and they form when tissue
similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries.
Cystadenoma Cysts These are ovarian cysts that develop
from cells on the outer surface of the ovaries.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease This disease refers to cysts that form
from a buildup of follicles. These cysts cause the ovaries to
enlarge and create a thick outer covering, which may prevent
ovulation from occurring, and are often the cause of fertility
problems.
What
are the Treatments for Ovarian Cysts? Treatment of ovarian cysts depends on several
factors, including:
the size and type of cyst
the woman's age and general
health
her future pregnancy plans
what symptoms she is
experiencing
The earlier ovarian cysts are
found, the less invasive the treatment.
Often, young women who are not experiencing any symptoms are
advised to wait two or three months to see if the cysts dissolve
on their own. In most cases, functional ovarian cysts will
dissolve without any medical intervention or treatment.
Occasionally, physicians opt to prescribe oral contraceptives or
hormones to shrink functional ovarian cysts. (Functional cysts
are rare in women who use oral contraceptives since this method
of birth control prevents ovulation.) Oral contraceptives are
not an effective treatment for other types of benign ovarian
cysts, but they do offer some protection against malignant
ovarian cysts (ovarian cancer).
Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat ovarian cysts that are
unresponsive to hormonal treatment. Cases that could require
surgery include ovarian cysts that do not disappear after a few
menstrual cycles and extremely large cysts.
Ovarian cysts that are found in post menopausal women, cause
symptoms such as severe pain or bleeding, or have become twisted
often require a surgical procedure.
The specific surgical procedure required depends on a number of
factors, but typically the earlier ovarian cysts are discovered,
the less extensive the surgery. Surgery can involve anything
from simply removing the cyst to removing the ovary. In some
severe cases, a hysterectomy is recommended.
Although your physician will discuss the planned procedure with
you, you should keep in mind that the exact extent of the
surgery may be unknown until the operation is in progress.
Healthcare Provider
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