Ovarian cysts: Symptoms, causes, forms, treatment, and everything you need to know
Ovarian cysts affect more women than you would imagine. They may be asymptomatic as well. Everything you need to know about ovarian cysts, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ovarian cysts are frequent in women and can occur for a variety of causes. They are found in around 25% of reproductive-age women in India. A fluid or the semisolid material-filled sac that grows on or within one or both of your ovaries is known as an ovarian cyst. Your ovaries are tiny organs in your pelvis that serve an important function in storing egg cells and producing hormones. A cyst’s size can vary, and larger cysts may cause greater issues.
Large ovarian cysts can result in symptoms such as severe pelvic discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. They may even rupture, causing significant discomfort and bleeding within the pelvis. An ovarian cyst can become infectious or even malignant in very rare circumstances. Ovarian cysts can sometimes go unreported if they are tiny in size and do not cause any symptoms. Women who have hormonal issues, PCOS, or endometriosis are more likely to develop ovarian cysts. Depending on the severity of the cyst, these can be treated with hormone therapy or surgery.
WHY DO WOMEN CREATE OVARIAN CYSTS?
Pelvic infections, hormone imbalances, and even pregnancy issues can all contribute to the development of an ovarian cyst. However, not all of them are hazardous, and some may be handled easily.
“The risk of getting an ovarian cyst is higher with hormonal disorders related to using a fertility treatment that induces you to ovulate, for example, clomiphene or letrozole. Even after conception, the follicle that remains after ovulation (known as the corpus luteum) can develop a cyst that can last throughout pregnancy and sometimes get larger. Endometriosis is another disorder in which tissue comparable to the uterine lining can attach to your ovary and develop a cyst. Cysts can also be caused by a serious pelvic infection involving the ovaries. Finally, some malignant tumors, such as dermoid and serous cystadenoma, can manifest as ovarian cysts. Dr Nisha Kapoor, Director & HOD, Department of Obstetrics Gynaecology & Advanced Gynae Laparoscopy, Marengo QRG Hospital, Faridabad, believes that women who have had an ovarian cyst before are more likely to acquire one again.
“An ovarian cyst is a sac that occurs on or within one or both ovaries and is filled with fluid or semisolid substances. In India, one in every 4-5 women has various types of ovarian cysts (20-25% occurrence). Hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, endometriosis, severe pelvic infection, genital TB, and other factors can all contribute to it “Dr. Brinda Patel, MBBS, MS (Obstetrician and Gynecologist), Daffodils by Artemis, Jaipur, explains the different causes of ovarian cysts.
HOW DO CYSTS AFFECT A WOMAN’S HEALTH?
Many cysts dissolve on their own, but others can cause pain, bloating, and irregular menstruation. There is also the possibility of rupture, and in very rare situations, permanent injury.
“It depends on the type, size, and location of the cysts, as well as whether they are one-sided or in both ovaries. Large cysts can squeeze and harm ovarian tissue. Torsion can cause a decrease in blood supply to the ovarian tissue, which can be harmful. Some cysts are caused by hormonal imbalances, which can be treated with dietary changes such as a reduced carbohydrate diet.
The majority of cysts are benign; smaller ones may even be asymptomatic and disappear on their own. Some, however, can cause pain, bloating, and cycle abnormalities. Torsion, bleeding, or rupture of cysts are rare but require rapid care. “Permanent damage may occur in a few cases, particularly when the ovarian tissue is surgically removed or there has been long-standing compression or torsion,” says Dr Nidhi Khera, Director & Head, Obs, and High-risk Pregnancy, BLK-Max Centre for Women Health.
Dr Radhamany K is a Clinical Professor and the Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Amrita Hospital in Kochi.
Discusses the ovarian cyst warning symptoms that you should not overlook.
– It is more common in the reproductive age range.
– Ovarian cysts are normally asymptomatic, do not induce weight loss or anorexia, and are only discovered by chance.
– Some patients may experience dull aching pain and an abdominal mass.
– Torsion, rupture, bleeding, or infection of an ovarian cyst cause acute intense discomfort.
– Menstrual irregularities such as delayed menstruation, menstrual absence, and anovulatory cycles.
Painful menstruation and pain during sexual intercourse are also possible.
Large cysts may cause pressure symptoms such as urine or bowel problems.
Dr Brinda Patel provides a list of additional symptoms that suggest the presence of ovarian cysts.
– Swelling in the lower abdomen
– Excruciating intercourse
– Nausea and bloating
– Discomfort or pain during bowel movements
– Discomfort or pain while passing pee
– Fertility problems
“Ovarian cysts can be asymptomatic and may be discovered by chance during a normal check-up or sonography. Pelvic pain or a sense of pressure that worsens just before or after the onset of menstruation, dull aching in the lower back and thighs, difficulty emptying the bladder, pain during sex, abnormal bleeding, and menstrual abnormalities are all symptoms of ovarian cysts. The presenting symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues “Dr Nisha Kapoor explains.
OVARIAN CYST DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
Ultrasound imaging is used to identify ovarian cysts, which can distinguish between benign and malignant ovarian cysts. The presence of solid portions, papillary projections, uneven walls, and thick septations can be used to rule out cancer. Tumour markers/biomarkers are chemicals or proteins produced by tumors or cells in the body in response to tumors. A high level of particular tumor markers in the blood, such as CEA and CA-125, can indicate the likelihood of a malignant ovarian cyst.
