Ovarian Cyst: causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Ovarian cysts are sacs in or on the surface of the ovary filled with fluid. Females have two ovaries. Each side of the uterus has one ovary. Each ovary is around the size and shape of an almond and is responsible for the development and maturation of eggs. According to an AIIMS study, 1 in every 4 Indian women suffers from ovarian cysts.

Ovarian cysts can occur due to various causes including hormonal fluctuations, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. In most cases, ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve by themselves. However, in some cases, they may cause a host of symptoms like pain, discomfort, menstrual irregularities, and reproductive complications.

Sometimes, ovarian cysts cause complications. Dr. Shraddha Galgali is Best Female Gynecologist in Punawale, Pune can help you in scheduling regular pelvic exams and any symptoms you are experiencing to prevent any cyst related problems.

Ovarian cysts can be of different types:

Functional Cysts:

• Follicular Cysts: These cysts form when a follicle in the ovary fails to release an egg during ovulation. They may resolve on their own within a few menstrual cycles.
• Corpus Luteum Cysts: After an egg is released during ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum. Sometimes, this structure fills with fluid or blood, resulting in a cyst. Most corpus luteum cysts also resolve spontaneously.

Pathological Cysts:

• Endometriomas: These cysts form when endometrial tissue grows on the ovaries, resulting in painful cysts that can affect fertility.
• Dermoid Cysts: Also known as teratomas, these cysts are made up of different types of tissue, potentially including hair, skin, and even teeth.
• Cystadenomas: These cysts develop from ovarian tissue and can be filled with mucus or watery fluid.

In a normal healthy woman in her reproductive years, the ovaries develop small cyst-like structures when the egg is released from the ovaries (by the process of ovulation). The egg is released by follicles. When these follicles keep growing, they form a functional cyst. These cysts develop within two to three menstrual cycles.

However, some cysts continue to grow and eat away at healthy ovarian tissue. Ovulation is the leading cause of ovarian cysts. Other causes of ovarian cysts include:

• Abnormal cell reproduction
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Small ovarian cysts usually cause no signs or symptoms. However, larger ovarian cysts may cause the following symptoms:

• Pelvic pain
• Bloating in the lower abdominal region, which is usually more pronounced on one side
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Dysmenorrhoea or painful periods

It is important to note that the symptoms of ovarian cysts may be very similar to other gynaecological conditions like PCOS.

• Sudden pain in your stomach
• Swelling that did not go away
• Unusual spotting or bleeding
• Pain with fever and vomiting
• Feeling dizzy, weak, or fainting

Dr. Shraddha Galgali discovers a cyst during a pelvic exam. They will ask questions about your pain and other symptoms. The cyst may be fluid-filled, solid, or mixed. To diagnose what type of disease you have, she may recommend one of these additional tests:

• Pregnancy test: A positive pregnancy test may mean that you have a corpus luteum cyst.
• Pelvic ultrasound: It uses sound waves to create images of your uterus and ovaries. Your expert can confirm that you have a cyst, tell you its location, and find out what type it is.
• Laparoscopy: Your gynecologist inserts a thin device with a light and a camera into your abdomen through a small incision. They can look at your ovaries and remove any ovarian cysts.
• blood test: If you have a partially solid ovarian cyst, your gynecologist may want to test your blood for levels of a protein called CA 125 (cancer antigen 125). It is more common in women who have had ovarian cancer and have conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Your gynecologist and expert will begin by ruling out pregnancy as a potential cause of your symptoms. Subsequently, they may utilize the following diagnostic tests to identify an ovarian cyst:

• Wait and watch: In many cases, especially for small, asymptomatic cysts, your Fertility Specialist may recommend a wait-and-watch approach. This involves regular monitoring through follow-up appointments and imaging tests, like ultrasounds, to observe the cyst’s behavior and see if it resolves by itself.
• Medications: Some ovarian cysts can be resolved by medications prescribed to treat their symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Hormonal contraceptives, like birth control pills, may be prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent the formation of new cysts, and shrink existing cysts.
• Surgery: If the cyst is large, is causing severe pain, or shows no signs of resolving, your doctor may perform surgery. The type and extent of surgery depend on the characteristics of the cyst and the patient’s overall health.
  1. Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen through which a thin, flexible instrument with a camera (laparoscope) is inserted. The surgeon can visualize and remove the cyst or perform cystectomy, which involves removing only the cyst while preserving the ovary.
  2. Laparotomy: In some cases, a larger incision (laparotomy) may be required to remove the cyst. This approach is typically reserved for larger cysts, suspected malignancies, or cases where the cyst has caused complications.
  3. Oophorectomy: In rare cases where the cyst is cancerous, or there is a risk of malignancy, the affected ovary may need to be surgically removed (oophorectomy).

If you need to undergo tests for an ovarian cyst you can trust us. Dr. Shraddha Galgali is a trusted name in diagnostic services. We offer comprehensive testing and imaging solutions for the accurate diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cysts. Remember, timely intervention and proactive care can help manage ovarian cysts and promote overall well-being.

With our advanced technology and experienced healthcare experts, we at Dr. Shraddha’s EXCELLA Woman’s Wellness Clinic aim to empower women to take control of their reproductive health. There are several TruHealth Packages on offer for women of all ages. Book your diagnostic tests with us today!