OVARIAN CYSTS

OVARIAN CYSTS

The ovaries are a pair of organs in the female reproductive system.
They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. The uterus is the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs and female hormones. Hormones are chemicals that control the way cer­tain cells or organs function.

Ovarian cysts are small, fluid-filled sacs, similar to blisters, found on the ovaries. Most of the time they are harmless and disappear on their own. When these cysts grow large however, they may cause feelings of pressure, fullness or discomfort.Ovarian cysts are very common among women during their reproductive years. Women can have one or many cysts, which can vary in size from as small as a pea to the size of a grapefruit.

TYPES OF OVARIAN CYSTS

Follicle cysts.
These cysts form when the sac doesn't break open to release the egg. Then the sac keeps growing. This type of cyst most often goes away in 1 to 3 months.

Corpus luteum cysts.

These cysts form if the sac doesn’t dissolve. Instead, the sac seals off after the egg is released. Then fluid builds up inside. Most of these cysts go away after a few weeks. They can grow to almost 4 inches.

Endometriomas
This problem occurs when tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. The tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. These cysts can be painful during sex and during your period.

Cystadenomas

These cysts form from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. They are often filled with a watery fluid or thick, sticky gel.

Dermoid cysts
These cysts contain many types of cells. They may be filled with hair, teeth, and other tissues that become part of the cyst. They can become large and cause pain.

Polycystic ovaries

These cysts are caused when eggs mature within the sacs but are not released. caused by a buildup of multiple small cysts which

cause hormonal imbalances that can result in irregular periods, body hair

growth and infertility.

symptoms o
f
ovarian cysts

Most of the time, ovarian cysts are harmless and cause no symptoms.
When

symptoms do occur, they include:

A feeling of fullness or swelling of the abdomen.

Weight gain.

A dull constant ache on either or both sides of the pelvis.

Pain during intercourse.

Delayed, irregular or painful menstrual periods.

Increased facial hair.

Sharp, severe abdominal pain, fever, and/or vomiting. This may be caused

by a bleeding cyst, one that breaks or twists.

DETECTION

You can find out if you have ovarian cysts through:

A pelvic exam, in which your doctor can feel the size of your ovaries and

discover abnormalities.

An ultrasound, in which sound waves create pictures of internal organs

through a device placed on your abdomen or a probe inserted inside your

vagina.

A laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure which allows your doctor to see

the structures inside your abdomen

Tumour marker blood test - this test is taken if malignancy is suspected.

TREATMENT

Depends on:

❈ Size and type of cyst(s)

❈ Age and whether you are in your reproductive years or have

reached menopause

❈ Desire to have children

❈ Overall health status

❈ Severity of symptoms