Are ovarian cysts serious?

Written by Hou Jie
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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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.

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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 Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ovarian cysts have no symptoms

Most ovarian cysts are physiological, so few people experience symptoms. Common ovarian cysts include corpus luteum cysts and other ovarian cysts, which generally disappear naturally after two to three months. Therefore, if the ovarian cyst is not large, within five centimeters, and there are no symptoms, it is possible to temporarily observe it and perform an ultrasound after two to three months. If the cyst has not decreased in size or continues to grow, it may be an ovarian tumor, which would require surgical treatment. This is because if an ovarian tumor is left for a long time, it may become malignant or may lead to ovarian torsion.

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Written by Xu Xiao Ming
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.