Dr Nupur Gupta, Gynaecologist and Director, Well Woman Clinic, Gurguram provides detailed insights into ovarian cysts and the treatments an individual should consider
Cysts in or on the ovary are solid or fluid-filled sacs. These are generally harmless and come and go as per menstruation cycles. Yet, in some women, these could turn large and even malignant.
It is observed that ovarian cysts can cause no symptoms in women and disappear on their own. Women can get pregnant as well if they have ovarian cysts. Although, some women can have concerns with conception or pregnancy if the cyst becomes abnormally large.
What do ovaries look like?
Women have a pair of ovaries. These are small, bean-shaped organs that play a pivotal role in women’s reproduction. Each ovary is on one side of the uterus.
The ovaries are responsible to release an egg approximately every 28 days as part of the menstrual cycle. These also release the female sex hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, which play an important role in female reproduction. Cysts can be present in both ovaries or may be visible in only one.
Symptoms of pelvic pain, nausea, bloating, and abdominal swelling may be persistent in large cysts. Blockage of blood supply to ovaries or rupturing may cause heavy bleeding. Difficulty clearing bowels or feeling full too soon or very painful periods are also observed in women with ovarian cysts.
Medical Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts
The two types of ovarian cyst are:
- Functional ovarian cysts are the most common. These develop as part of the menstrual cycle and are usually harmless and have a short life span.
- Pathological ovarian cysts are abnormal cell growth and are not as commonly observed.
Endometriosis is the most common reason for causing ovarian cysts.
It is observed that ovarian cysts are most of the time benign or not cancerous although these can be in a few cases cancerous (malignant). Cancerous cysts are more common in women who have been through menopause.
Diagnosing ovarian cysts
To detect cysts in ovaries, an ultrasound is performed by using a probe placed inside the vagina. If a cyst is identified during the ultrasound scan one may need to have this monitored with a repeat ultrasound scan in a few weeks.
Cysts can be as small as 3 mm to as large as a melon. Simple cysts are thin-walled and contain only fluid but complex cysts contain thick fluid, blood and solid mass.
A simple cyst is a large follicle that has continued to grow after an egg has been released in the ovary. Whereas endometrioma cells are found outside the womb, sometimes causes ovarian cysts and these are called endometriomas.
A dermoid cyst develops from the cells that make eggs in the ovary and often contains substances such as hair and fat.
Treatment for ovarian cysts
Most of the times doctors suggest not to remove the cyst but if it gets bigger or is complex, surgery is recommended. One’s choice depends on one’s symptoms, appearance, size, and results of any blood tests. One should be given information about the choices in an individual situation, including information about the risks and benefits of each option.
- Technically, a simple cyst measuring less than 5 cm in diameter, treatment may not be necessary. These cysts usually disappear quietly after a few months.
- Whereas, a simple cyst that measures 5–7 cm in diameter requires ultrasound each year to ensure no further increase.
- A simple cyst that measures more than 7 cm in diameter further tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or surgery.
Consulting a gynaecologist on possible surgical options is advisable. Laparoscopy or laparotomy or hysterectomy will be considered as per size, a number of cysts and state of ovaries or uterus.
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