Ovarian Cysts
What is an ovarian cyst?
- Is a pouch filled with fluid or other tissue that forms on the ovary
- They are common in women during their childbearing years
- A woman can develop one or more cysts
- They can vary in size
- In most cases, cysts are harmless and go away on their own
- In other cases, they may cause problems and need treatment
- There are different types of ovarian cysts
- Most cysts are benign (not cancerous)
- Rarely, a few cysts may turn out to be malignant (cancerous)
What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
- Most cysts are small and do not cause symptoms
- Some cysts may cause a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen and pain during certain activities
- Larger cysts may cause torsion (twisting) of the ovary that causes pain
- Cysts that bleed or rupture may lead to serious problems requiring prompt treatment
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
- May be found during a routine pelvic exam
- If an enlarged ovary is observed, tests may be recommended to provide more information:
- Vaginal ultrasound
- Uses sound waves to create pictures of internal organs
- A slender instrument called a transducer is placed in the vagina
- Sound waves show the shape, size, location, and makeup of the cyst
- Laparoscopy
- A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the abdomen to view the pelvic organs
- Laparoscopy also can be used to treat cysts
- Blood tests
- If you are past menopause, you may be given a test that measures the amount of a substance called CA 125
- Increased CA 125 level may be a sign of ovarian cancer
- In premenopausal women, an increased CA 125 level can be caused by many other conditions besides cancer
- This test is not a good indicator of ovarian cancer in premenopausal women
- Vaginal ultrasound
How are ovarian cysts treated?
- Birth control pills may be prescribed
- This will not make cysts you already have go away
- But will prevent new cysts from forming
- Surgery may be suggested if your cyst is large or causing symptoms
- The extent and type of surgery that is needed depends on several factors:
- Size and type of cyst
- Your age
- Your symptoms
- Your desire to have children
- Sometimes, a cyst can be removed without having to remove the ovary
- This surgery is called cystectomy
- In other cases, one or both of the ovaries may have to be removed
- Your doctor may not know which procedure is needed until after the surgery begins
