Symptoms of ovarian cyst carcinogenesis

Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on March 29, 2025
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The main symptom of malignant transformation of ovarian cysts is increased abdominal pain, which generally occurs on one side, including either the left or right side, since the ovaries are present on both sides. If the cyst is unilateral, rapid growth can cause lower abdominal distension and pain. Therefore, when such symptoms aggravate, timely examination is necessary. Initially, a gynecological examination is recommended to assess the boundaries of the ovarian cyst and to palpate its nature and texture. These are essential evaluations. If there is a potential for malignancy, sometimes nodular changes, which may be metastases, can be detected in the posterior cul-de-sac. Subsequently, an ultrasound should be performed, with vaginal ultrasound generally providing greater accuracy.

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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 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 Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Do ovarian cysts require the removal of the ovary?

Generally, ovarian cysts do not require the removal of the ovary; the common practice is to perform a cystectomy, which involves peeling off the cyst from the ovary. After that, the situation of bleeding is assessed. If there is no significant bleeding on the surgical surface, suturing can be done, which preserves both the morphology and function of the ovary. Ovaries are crucial for females as they produce estrogen, progesterone, and also have the function of ovulation. Therefore, removing ovaries would reduce the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body and decrease ovulation functions, which is why ovary removal is generally not recommended. Typically, the impact of the cystectomy on these ovarian functions is minimal. Thus, recovery tends to be good, with minimal impact on daily life in terms of prognosis.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of benign ovarian cysts

When women develop benign ovarian cysts, the clinical symptoms are somewhat related to the number and size of the cysts. For example, when the cysts are relatively small in diameter, they usually exhibit no clinical manifestations and are often only discovered during routine gynecological exams or ultrasound screenings. As the cysts grow in size, some women may experience heaviness and pain on one side of the lower abdomen, along with a sore back. These abdominal symptoms can worsen with excessive fatigue, staying up late, or during intercourse. Some women may also experience abnormalities in their menstrual cycle, such as changes in the amount of menstrual bleeding, duration of menstruation, or irregular vaginal bleeding.