Ovarian Cysts. What are they exactly anyway?

First of all, let us get the basic definition of the primary words that build “ovarian cysts,” that is ovary and cyst.

Now let us define the word ovary. An ovary is a part of the (vertebrates) female reproductive system; it is one of the two organs responsible for releasing female reproductive cells called ovum, ova or in a simpler term, the egg cell.

How about cyst? What is a cyst? A cyst is a bladder-like structure that can either have liquid, semi-solid or gaseous contents; a cyst can either be a normal and functional part of an organ or an abnormal growth in any part of the body. So, if we do the math, an Ovarian Cyst is basically a fluid, gas or semi-solid filled bladder-like structure that can be found in the ovary.

The Ovaries are responsible for two things: first is for the development of the female reproductive cell (ovum/ egg cell) and second, for the production of the female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone). And as far as Ovaries are concerned, Ovarian Cysts more commonly develop or grow on women in the ages of 30-40, as compared to any other childbearing age. Most Ovarian Cysts develop in the ovary as a normal part of the menstrual cycle of a woman. These cysts are unobtrusive and harmless cysts that naturally disappear on their own. This causes a woman to be unaware of the cyst’s presence and disappearance in her ovary, which is the case in most women unless the cyst have been distorted or has ruptured. A twisted or ruptured cyst can entail a few signs such as acute or intense abdominal pain, irregular menstruation, spotting or bleeding in between menstrual cycles or worse, infertility. A ruptured cyst can be infinitely the end of an ovarian cyst or it can also be a prelude to a more serious condition.

In some cases, although a cyst may not have ruptured, pain may still be experienced; this can be attributed to the continuous growth or unusual immenseness of a cyst. If a cyst is sizable, it can lead to a series of effects specifically with bowel, bladder and to other organs enclosing the pelvic area.

However in every case of cyst that occur in the ovaries, 10 t0 15% are malignant, or can lead to a serious condition such as cancer, and these malignant cysts mostly occur in women who are at the post menopausal stage. Nonetheless, regardless of the shape, size or type of cyst, benignant or malignant; small, medium or large; with pain or without pain, it is always best to be knowledgeable of your health condition. At what cause would you allow your own or a loved one’s health condition in peril? A periodic check up with your OBGYNE worth every effort and cent, rest assured that you only have friendly cysts and that you are free of the dangerous ones.

An ovarian cyst is an abnormal, fluid-filled swelling inside one of the ovaries. These are the almond-shaped glands situated on either side of the uterus, immediately below the entrance to the Fallopian tubes. The ovaries contain follicles, one of which releases an egg during ovulation. The ovaries are also responsible for producing the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

Most women will probably have had at least one ovarian cyst without knowing it. They can appear at any age, in any number, and on one or both ovaries. They often disappear on their own without any treatment.

What causes an Ovarian Cyst?

The most common cause of ovarian cysts is a minor upset during ovulation. The follicle, instead of bursting and releasing an egg, continues to grow and accumulates fluid. This causes a functional, or simple cyst, These cysts can grow quite large, sometimes to over 8cm.

Simple cysts can also be caused by endometriosis, a condition in which fragments of the uterine lining travel to other parts of the abdomen. These fragments bleed monthly, as the uterus does (during menstruation) but they can cause blood-filled cysts if they migrate up to the ovaries.

Another type of cyst, a dermoid cyst, accounts for about 10% of all ovarian cysts. Dermoid cysts range in size from just a few millimeters to 10cm or even more. They have a cell structure that is similar to skin and are thought to be made up of the same cells from which an embryo develops. It is quite  common for a dermoid cyst to contain tissues of hair, teeth and bone.

Both simple and dermoid cysts are benign (harmless). However, in some cases an ovarian cyst can be malignant (cancerous) and will have to be surgically removed.

How is an Ovarian Cyst diagnosed and treated?

Since there are usually no symptoms, ovarian cysts are often discovered during a routine pelvic examination. However, abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and abnormally heavy periods can make a doctor suspect a cyst. If this is the case, the doctor will perform an internal examination, and then make a referral to a hospital for ultrasound scanning or a laparascopy (an examination of the abdominal cavity through a viewing tube). Both of these procedures can confirm the diagnosis, as well as determine the size and position of the cyst. They cannot tell whether the cyst is malignant or not.

If a cyst is diagnosed, it will usually be surgically removed, whether the doctor thinks it is malignant or not. This is done in a hospital under a general anaesthetic, and a stay of at least a couple of days is usually needed.

During the operation, a small piece of the cyst may be removed and sent to the laboratory. There, it is quickly examined to find out the nature of the cyst. If it is benign, only the cyst is removed, leaving the ovary in place. The other ovary is also examined, because cysts sometimes occur in both ovaries at the same time.

If the cyst is malignant, the cyst ovary and Fallopian tube are all removed. Again, the second ovary will be examined. If it is affected as well, the second ovary will usually be removed.

What can I do myself?

The pill reduces the risk of benign  ovarian cysts by 90% and reduces the risk of ovarian cancer by 40%. Once a cyst is discovered, it is important to discuss the possibilities and options thoroughly with your doctor before going ahead with any treatment. Find out whether it will be necessary to have both ovaries removed if the cyst is malignant. This is very important if you are still of childbearing age and want to have a family.

If you are of premenopausal age, ask about hormone replacement therapy, because if both the ovaries are removed you will not produce female sex hormones and will start a premature menopause.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor immediately if you experience any pain or swelling in the lower abdomen, particularly if you also have some or all of the symptoms listed overleaf.

Are Ovarian Cysts dangerous?

A cancerous cyst that is untreated is dangerous, as the cancer can spread. If the cyst and one ovary are removed, fertility may be slightly reduced but the necessary sex hormones will continue to be produced. Removal of both ovaries results in infertility, and there may be a need for hormone replacement therapy. If the cyst is benign and only the cyst is removed, then there should be no further trouble and it should not affect fertility. There may be a need to be examined more often in the future, in case another cyst develops.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms, especially when they are small, but signs which may indicate the presence of a cyst include:
-    Abdominal swelling
-    Pain during sexual intercourse
-    Changes in the normal menstrual cycle, including irregular, painful or heavy periods.
-    Frequent urination
-    Difficulty conceiving
-    Abdominal or pelvic pain, nausea and fever if the cyst twists or ruptures

Warning: Any pain or swelling in the lower abdomen should be seen by your doctor. Most ovarian cysts are benign, but delay in getting treatment may lead to problems. Consult your physician as early as possible to avoid complications.

Surgical procedure of removing a swelling ovarian cyst.