Ovaries is a paired organ of the female reproductive system. There is one ovary each, on the left and right side of the uterus in the pelvis. The ovaries’ job is to produce eggs or ova for fertilization by the male sperm. In women of reproductive age, an egg is released from one of the ovaries into the adjacent fallopian tube, once every month during ovulation.The fallopian tubes are tubular structures which connect the ovary to the upper, outer-most part of the uterus, and provide a route for the female egg to undergo fertilization. The ovaries are also the chief source of the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
What are ovarian cysts ?
Ovarian Cysts are basically cysts of the ovaries. They are fluid-filled sacs forming within or inside the ovary.
What are the types of ovarian cysts ?
There are several types of cysts that can initiate in the Ovaries. Each cyst has a different cause.
1. Functional cysts
Most of the ovarian cysts are functional. Functional means they form usually in a regular menstrual cycle. They typically resolve within one week to three months, by themselves and most are benign & non-cancerous. A lot of women can have an ovarian cyst at some point of her reproductive years. These include;
- Follicular cyst: A follicular cyst is a type of functional cyst that is formed when ovulation does not happen or if a mature follicle folds on itself. This cyst usually goes away in one to three months, by itself.
- Corpus Luteum cyst:It is a functional cyst that is seen when the egg is released from the mature follicle but the sac fails to dissolve. The sac then gets filled up with fluid. This is capable of resolving by itself, most of the times.
- Hemorrhagic cyst: Again a functional cyst that is seen to occur when there is bleeding within a cyst.
2. Non functional cysts
- Endometrioma: A cyst developing due to a condition called endometriosis is an Endometrioma.
- Cystadenoma: A cyst developing on the ovarian surface that can be filled either with a thin, watery fluid or with a thick, sticky gel. It can grow significantly and cause pain. There two varieties can be either mucinous cystadenomas (thick fluid) or serous cystadenoma (thin fluid).
- Teratomas or Dermoid Cysts: These develop from cells in the ovary that still have diverse developmental potential, so they form teeth, hair and other tissues when they become cancerous.
- Polycystic Ovaries: These occur cyclically, as the eggs mature within the sacs or follicles but the follicles fail to release the eggs. What this means is that ovulation does not occur. This cycle repeats, follicles grow within the ovary and cysts keep forming.
What are the clinical features of ovarian cysts ?
A majority of ovarian cysts are harmless. Lots of cysts have no symptoms and are discovered on incidental pelvic examination.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts include feeling bloated and pain or lump in the abdomen or pelvis. Loss of appetite, lethargy, or weight loss can also occur. Other symptoms include changes in menstruation as well as painful menstruation and tenderness in breasts.
Women who are in their menopause phase or later are at a greater risk of getting ovarian cancer. But whatever be the age, it is best to see your doctor, in case of ovarian cyst.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed ?
- A complete physical examination of the body is mandatory.
- Pelvic Ultrasonography: The presence of a pelvic mass can be confirmed by pelvic ultrasonography. It will show the cyst’s size, shape and location, and if it is fluid-filled, solid or mixed in nature.
- Pregnancy tests & hormone tests will also be ordered, based on their need for diagnosis.
- Transvaginal Ultrasonography (TVUS): The role of transvaginal ultrasonography is becoming more established. It helps to examine the vagina, uterus & ovaries by putting an ultrasound probe into the vagina.
- To rule out Ovarian Cancer: Cytology, Tumour markers or Biopsy might be needed to rule out ovarian cancer, especially in cases where there is family history of Ovarian Cancer.
How are ovarian cysts treated ?
- Watchful Waiting: Most functional cysts require only “watchful waiting.” For a period of one to three months, the cyst is only studied to see if it resolves by itself, which most of the times a functional cyst does.
- Surgery: If not, then surgical removal of the cyst may be needed. If the functional cyst just does not go away by itself or if the cyst appears unusual in the ultrasonography, then surgery is recommended. Even if the cyst is painful or causing irregular periods, it needs to be removed. In post-menopausal women, it is better surgically treated.
Surgery is done either via Laparoscopy (minimally invasive technique by small incisions with a fiberoptic scope and small instruments) or Laparotomy (that is open surgery). The choice depends on the probability of malignancy, the size and the reach of the cyst. - Medications: Birth control pills are used for frequent functional cysts. They prevent ovulation and reduce the chance of recurring cysts. Prescription pain relievers may be used for pain, after consultation with a doctor.
How to find gynecologists for the treatment of ovarian cysts ?
Now you can find gynecologists for the treatment of ovarian cysts from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost for the treatment of ovarian cysts from various hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for hysterectomy surgery.
Find and choose a gynecologist for hysterectomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
