Is an adnexal cyst an ovarian cyst?

Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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In clinical terms, the adnexa include the fallopian tubes and ovaries, so an adnexal cyst is not solely an ovarian cyst; rather, ovarian cysts are just one type of adnexal cyst. Adnexal cysts can also include fallopian tube cysts, but in clinical practice, most adnexal cysts are manifestations of ovarian cysts. Therefore, when patients hear the term "adnexal cyst," they should further inquire whether it is an ovarian cyst, instead of simply assuming it to be one.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What should I do if an ovarian cyst ruptures?

Ovarian cyst rupture refers to the expulsion of the fluid inside an ovarian cyst out of the cyst due to external forces. When an ovarian cyst ruptures, the patient can suddenly experience severe pain in the lower abdomen on one side, which is often unbearable. At the same time, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may accompany the pain. If the fluid inside the cyst is irritating, for example, the fluid in an endometriosis cyst which resembles chocolate, this fluid can promote widespread abdominal pain. This irritation can lead to peritonitis. Generally, an ovarian cyst rupture requires immediate surgical intervention for treatment.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do ovarian cysts hurt?

Most ovarian cysts do not cause abdominal pain, especially when they are small and benign. However, some patients with ovarian cysts may experience abdominal pain symptoms. For example, endometriotic cysts, also known as chocolate cysts, can cause severe lower abdominal pain, particularly manifesting as menstrual-like abdominal pain. When these pain symptoms occur, the primary reason patients initially visit local hospitals is to undergo medical examination for the condition.

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Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.