What it Ovarian Cyst?

A type of tumor in the ovary that can be either benign or malignant. The most common type known as functional, usually appears during the ovulation process. The other types happen because the unorganized growth of the organ’s cells.

Ovarian Cyst Causes

The cyst that appears for the undetermined multiplication of the cells of the superficial layer of the ovary (epithelium) does not have definitive causes.

The functional appears in women with hormonal irregularity. Another very strong factor that causes the cyst is the genetic.

Types of ovarian cysts

Functional

They are the most common type of ovarian cyst. They are formed during the ovulation process, period in which the woman produces small nodules that must be expelled in the menstruation. When they are not dismissed, it forms the cyst. They tend to diminish over time.

Serosos

This type secretes a clear, transparent and with low viscosity liquid. With different characteristics of the functional, the seroso don’t diminish over time. In contrast, it tends to grow. It is easier to treat it if detected in the earlier stage.

Teratoma

They have in its interior tallow, hair and even tooth. They are formed by embryonic cells (presents in the ovary) that they are multiplied in improper place.  They are little specific cells and they determine some characteristics at the same time.

Endometriose

They are constituted by cells of the endometrium (layer formed during the reproductive cycle and is monthly expelled in the menstruation). In its interior, it has a bloody liquid with a chocolate color.

Malignant

They are the ovarian cancer and they occur in about 1% of the women – in special in women over 50 years old. If not diagnosed and treated on time, it will probably kill the person.

How the cysts are discovered

The specialist recognizes the cyst for the clinical examination when it measures about four centimeters. For the touch during the examination, the doctor notices the increase in size of the ovary. Even having the clinical examination, the best way to determine the type of cyst is the intravaginal sonogram-type of rigorous examination that shows details of the tumor.

Treatment

What determines the treatment is the evaluation of the size and the type of cyst based on the sonogram.

Puncture

1 – Guided for the sonogram, the specialist introduces into the vagina a special needle until it reaches the interior of the cyst.

2 – The liquid in the interior is inhaled, making with that the cyst withers.

3 – In order to dehydrates the cyst, alcohol is placed inside its walls.

Surgery

The technique with little harmful effect to the organism is the Laparoscopy. With small cuts and guided by a minicamera of video, the specialist separates the cyst of the wall of the ovary before removes it.

Contraceptive

It can be used either for the treatment or for the prevention. It is the best option in cases of small functional cysts. The medicine makes the ovary rest, facilitating the regression of the cysts or avoiding the formation of more cysts.

Symptoms

The majority of the cysts does not present symptoms. When they appear, here are some:
* Abdominal pain;
* Increase of abdomen;
* Alteration in the menstrual cycle;
* Loss of weight (in cases of malignant cyst).

Tips

* It is basic that the women make periodic examinations – at least once a year – to avoid or to prevent the uncontrolled growth of the cyst;
* Always control the menstruation cycle. If you notice constant variations, visit your doctor;
* Never take contraceptive without medical supervision. Women who suffer from problems as high blog pressure, varicose veins, obesity, etc, can have health problems with the use of contraceptive;
* The polycystic ovary syndrome is a different type of illness and rarely need surgery.

What are ovaries and where are they located?

Ovaries are a pair of reproductive organ in the female body that are almond and are located on top of the fallopian tubes or in the pelvic area.  These reproductive organs are responsible for the production of eggs and female hormones that control the formation of woman’s body shape, hair, breasts and other female characteristics.  They also control menstrual cycle and pregnancy

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a small sac-like form containing fluid that grows inside the
ovary. Most of these cysts do not pose danger but sometimes it causes pain,
bleeding, rupturing that  could only be stopped through surgery.

How does cyst form inside the ovary?

Cysts form inside the ovary  and they are generally non-cancerous these cysts are
called functional cysts.  These cysts are formed during the menstrual cycle and
Usually disappear within a few months.

What are the different forms of the so-called functional cysts?

One kind of functional cyst is called follicle cyst.  This kind of cyst does not
Break itself to release the egg it carries.  It usually grows but it disappears after a
few months.  The other kind of cyst is the corpus luteum cyst.  This kind of cyst
Closes after the egg is released but it also disappear after a few months.

Are there any other kinds of cyst that grow inside the ovary?

Yes, these are other four types of cysts such as: endometriomas, forms as mass lining and is painful during sexual intercourse; cystadenomas,  they form outside the surface of the ovary and usually painful when they become bigger; dermoid cysts are
Those that contain different types of cells that also cause pain when they become larger;
Polycystic cysts are those that that form when the eggs are not released and form  many cysts as the cycle goes and eggs are not released from these sac-like cysts with matured eggs.

How do I know if I have a cyst forming inside my ovary?

There are symptoms that would help you detect the presence of cyst.  Some of the symptoms are:  abnormal bleeding which usually last for weeks, pain the pelvic area, pain during sexual acts, severe and sudden pain in the abdominal part, nausea or vomiting, tender breasts, and dizziness

If I have these symptoms, should I immediately seek medical advice?

If you are experiencing vomiting with fever, weakness, fainting, vigorous breathing, and your age is more than 35 years old, you have to see the doctor at once.

Are all women susceptible to ovarian cysts?

Women of childbearing age are more susceptible to having ovarian cysts but these cysts
Are usually not cancerous and they naturally disappear after several months.  Treatments
Are also available if findings resulted to presence of cyst.  Usually surgery is done to
Remove the ovarian cysts.

What surgical treatment can be done to remove the cyst?

One is laparoscopy treatment if the cyst is still small and noncancerous.  The other
Surgical treatment is laparotomy if the cyst is larger and is cancerous.