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Ovarian cyst
Causes of ovarian cysts
There are several common causes of ovarian cysts. The first is during the ovulation process where the follicle fails to release an egg, resulting in the formation of follicular cysts. The ultrasound typically shows these as simple cysts containing follicular fluid. Another situation is the corpus luteum cyst, which occurs after ovulation when the ovary forms a wound surface and a corpus luteum. Cysts can also develop during the growth of the corpus luteum. These two types of cysts generally disappear after the next menstrual period and are considered physiological cysts that usually require no treatment. However, some cysts result from pathological changes in ovarian cells, or even from tumors. On an ultrasound, these appear differently, often as mixed composition masses, in which case surgical treatment is recommended.
How to check for ovarian cysts?
There are two methods for examining ovarian cysts. Firstly, through a gynecological examination, especially in cases of sexual activity, a bimanual examination can be conducted. Under bimanual examination, a mass in one of the adnexal areas can be palpated, where the nature of the mass such as whether its boundaries are clear can be observed, as well as checking for tenderness. This allows for the examination of ovarian cysts. Another method involves an ultrasound. Generally, if performing an abdominal ultrasound, it is necessary to hold urine to view the ovaries clearly. If performing a vaginal ultrasound, especially in cases of sexual activity, this can be chosen; thus, the ultrasound can provide a clearer view. It is closer to the uterus and ovaries, and thus under ultrasound, the masses in the ovaries can be detected. Therefore, both of these methods are viable.
ovarian cyst malignant symptoms
Ovarian cysts can exhibit certain symptoms if they become malignant. The primary symptom is pain in the lower abdomen. Generally, if the ovary undergoes a malignant transformation, the mass will grow larger and create a sensation of swelling and pain. Sometimes in the late stages of ovarian tumors, there can be pain throughout the abdomen, along with signs of cachexia, such as weight loss and decreased immunity after eating, which may suggest the possibility of cancer. In such cases, timely medical examinations are necessary. Typically, a pelvic and abdominal ultrasound can reveal the situation, along with blood tests including changes in certain common tumor markers. If the disease is malignant, the tumor markers in the blood will significantly increase.
Are ovarian cysts easy to treat?
Most ovarian cysts are physiological. If it's the first time an ovarian cyst is detected, it can be observed, and a re-examination can be conducted after two months. If the cyst disappears or reduces in size, it is physiological and there is no need for concern or treatment. However, if the ovarian cyst has not reduced but has increased in size after two months, this is pathological, indicating an ovarian tumor. In this case, surgical treatment is necessary. This is because if an ovarian tumor persists for a long period, it may become malignant or lead to ovarian torsion, both of which can affect the body adversely.
malignant symptoms of ovarian cysts
Malignant ovarian cysts, commonly known as ovarian cancer, often present with no symptoms in most people. Patients generally do not exhibit any specific symptoms. In advanced stages, however, symptoms such as ascites and abdominal swelling or pain may occur due to the cyst pressing on other organs in the abdomen. Initially, these symptoms might be mistaken for gastrointestinal issues, hence the importance of undergoing a gynecological ultrasound examination. In early stages, ovarian tumors may not show any symptoms, so it is recommended that women undergo tumor marker tests, such as CA125 and HE4, as well as routine ultrasound examinations.
Do ovarian cysts require the removal of the ovary?
When women discover ovarian cysts, it is not necessarily required to remove the entire ovary. For example, in women of childbearing age, the ovary can continue to ovulate, aiding in normal conception and secreting hormones to maintain normal endocrine function. In such cases, surgery to remove the ovarian cyst while preserving the healthy ovarian tissue can be performed. However, if a woman is nearing menopause or has already undergone menopause and discovers a large ovarian cyst, the function of the ovaries may have gradually declined or already ceased. If surgery is performed to remove the ovarian cyst, there is a possibility of recurrence, and the function of the ovary may already be lost. In this case, it might be appropriate to proceed with the removal of the ovary.
How to eliminate ovarian cysts?
Currently, most ovarian cysts in clinical practice require surgical removal. However, not all ovarian cysts need to be removed surgically. For some ovarian cysts, such as pelvic inflammatory cysts, anti-inflammatory treatment can be given first. After one course of anti-inflammatory treatment, the treatment effect should be evaluated. If the treatment effect is unsatisfactory, surgical treatment can be considered again. Furthermore, if the ovarian cyst is not large, it is also not indicated for surgical removal. Therefore, the severity of the condition needs to be assessed before treating an ovarian cyst.
Are ovarian cysts serious?
Ovarian tissue is very complex in composition. It is the site with the most types of primary tumors among all body organs. Different types of ovarian tumors exhibit significant differences in histological structure and biological behavior. Benign ovarian tumors are typically small, often asymptomatic, and are usually discovered incidentally during gynecological examinations. As cysts grow, one may experience abdominal bloating or feel a mass in the abdomen. During examination, abdominal distention can be observed, the mass is usually mobile, percussion shows a dull sound, and there is no shifting dullness. If the tumor is malignant, there are often no symptoms in the early stages; later stages mainly present with symptoms of abdominal bloating, abdominal masses, and gastrointestinal symptoms. If adhesions occur with surrounding tissues, symptoms of compression, such as abdominal pain, back pain, and leg pain may also appear. Therefore, ovarian tumors should be treated promptly once detected.
How to cure ovarian cysts?
Most ovarian cysts are physiological, meaning they will naturally disappear or shrink within two to three months. Generally, treatment is not necessary, and there are no effective medications for treating ovarian cysts. If an ovarian cyst does not disappear after three months, or if it continues to grow, then it is considered an ovarian tumor. Such ovarian tumors require surgery for treatment. Therefore, if an examination reveals that an ovarian cyst has not disappeared after three months, surgery is necessary. This is because if an ovarian cyst persists for a long time, it may cause torsion or even become malignant.
Can ovarian cysts cause infertility?
Women with ovarian chocolate cysts may experience effects on their reproductive function. When the cysts are small, they typically do not significantly impact fertility. However, as the cysts grow in size, they can compress the normal ovarian tissue, causing ovulatory disorders and leading to infertility. Additionally, certain types of ovarian cysts, such as chocolate cysts, can cause adhesions in the female pelvic area. For instance, they may result in abnormal fallopian tube function, leading to infertility due to tubal factors. These cysts may also alter the pelvic environment, making conception difficult. If the ovarian cysts are malignant or capable of secreting hormones, they can also affect normal ovulation, leading to infertility.