OVARIAN CYSTS

What are ovarian cysts?

The ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman’s uterus. It is normal for a small cyst (a fluid-filled sac) to develop on ovaries. Most cysts will go away on their own. In some cases, the cysts might cause problems and need treatment.

What are the different types of ovarian cysts?

There are many different types of cysts. Most are not cancerous. These are some common types of cysts:

• Functional Cysts: these are the most common type of ovarian cysts. These form as a normal part of ovulation (when the egg is released from the ovary). Women usually have no symptoms from these cysts and they disappear in 6 to 8 weeks.

• Dermoid Cysts: these cysts are made up of different tissues from other parts of the body, like hair, fat and teeth. They can be found on one or both ovaries. If you have dermoid cysts, you might have symptoms if they become large.

• Cystadenomas: these cysts form from the outer surface of the ovary. They can grow to be very big. These cysts usually only cause symptoms if they grow to become very large.

• Endometriomas: these cysts form when the tissue from the lining of uterus (endometrium) ends up on the surface of the ovary. The tissue bleeds every month, causing it to form a cyst that grows into the ovary. This cyst is also called a “chocolate cyst” because of the dark brown-red blood inside the cyst. They are linked to a condition called endometriosis and can be very painful.

How do I know if I have ovarian cysts?

Most cysts are small and disappear on their own. If they become large, they can twist, bleed or burst. You might feel pain, nausea, or vomiting.

Some cysts can be cancerous. This is very rare in young women but the risks increases with age. Warning signs of cancer of the ovary are:

• Enlarging abdomen

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation

• Bloating

How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

Your doctor might find an enlarged ovary by doing a regular pelvic exam. He or she can order further tests to figure out the type of cyst.

• Ultrasound: sound waves are used to create a picture of the ovary

• Blood tests: tests for substances in the blood that might be given off by different types of ovarian cysts

I have an ovarian cyst. What should I do about it?

If your cyst is not causing you symptoms, you can watch it for 1 to 2 months. Most will go away by themselves.

If your cyst is large or causing you symptoms, you may need surgery to remove the cyst (cystectomy) or remove the ovary (oophorectomy). This will depend on:

• Your age

• Type of cyst

• If you want children in the future