Ovarian cysts, a common problem for many women during the childbearing years, are fluid filled sacs that occur on the ovaries and can sometimes cause pain. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cysts/DS00129 Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous, though some may be, and most resolve on their own. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp075.cfm
There are four types of ovarian cysts: a) functional cysts, which form because of ovulation, b) dermoid cysts, which form from the type of cell that is able to become many things, c) cystadenomas , which grow from cells on the surface of the ovary, and d) endometriomas, which are caused by the endometrial lining growing outside the uterus due to endometriosis. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp075.cfm
Causes
Ovarian cysts occur when the follicle containing an egg fails to burst and release the egg and fills with fluid instead. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001504.htm Sometimes, the egg is released, but the follicle reseals itself. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001504.htm Because ovulation occurs every month for most women in their childbearing years, these cysts are fairly common, and there are no other known risk factors. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001504.htm
Symptoms
Most women experience little or no symptoms, and some symptoms can mimic those of other conditions like ectopic pregnancy or appendicitis, however, women may have a cyst if they experience these symptoms http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cysts/DS00129/DSECTION=symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain or pressure during bowel movements
- A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness
- Inability to fully empty the bladder http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cysts/DS00129/DSECTION=symptoms
More severe symptoms require immediate medical attention:
- Sudden, more severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis
- Pain with fever or vomiting http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ovarian-cysts/DS00129/DSECTION=symptoms
Treatment
Treatment of an ovarian cyst depends on the size and severity of the cyst. For asymptomatic cysts, most doctors will take a wait and see attitude, monitoring the cyst via ultrasound to see if it resolves on its own. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp075.cfm For cysts that recur, birth control pills can be used to stop ovulation and therefore, stop functional cysts from forming. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp075.cfm For large, painful cysts, surgery may be required. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp075.cfm
Information on Ovarian Cysts
This video, via the show “Woman on Top,” sheds light on the phenomenon of ovarian cysts. Manvi Dhillon interviews a gynecologist and a woman who suffered from ovarian cysts and shares information about whether or not a cyst automatically means cancer, what symptoms one might feel if they have a cyst, and what to do if you experience them.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
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Prevalence
Common condition for women in childbearing years
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Symptoms
Usually none, but can include pelvic pain, bowel and bladder problems, and a bloated abdomen
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Treatment
Watchful waiting, birth control pills, or surgery
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Fact:
Most cysts are not cancerous
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Fact:
Most cysts resolve on their own
