What are ovarian cysts?

Ovaries are parts of the female reproductive system. They’re found in the lower abdomen on each sides of the uterus.

Often times, a fluid-filled sac known as a cyst will grow on one of the ovaries. Many females will develop at least one cyst during their lifetime. In most cases, cysts are painless and have no symptoms. Certain cysts may eventually go away while some others will require surgical treatment.

What are the types of ovarian cysts?

There are many types of ovarian cysts, for example the dermoid cysts and endometrioma cysts. However, functional cysts are the most popular occuring type. The two kinds of functional cysts comprise of the  follicle and corpus luteum cysts.

Follicle cysts

At the time of a woman’s menstrual cycle, an egg forms in a sac called a follicle. This sac is found inside the ovaries. In most instances, this follicle or sac breaks open and discharges an egg. when the follicle doesn’t break open, the fluid inside the follicle can cause a cyst to form.

Corpus luteum cysts

Follicle sacs basically melt after releasing an egg. But if the sac doesn’t melt and the opening of the follicle seals, more fluid can develop inside the sac, and this accumulation of fluid leads to a corpus luteum cyst. This kind of cyst may result in changes in the menstrual cycle.

Other types of ovarian cysts includes:

Dermoid cysts: They are usually present from birth and can occur in any part of the body including the ovaries. They are Sac-like growths on the ovaries that may contain fat, hair and other tissue.

Cystadenomas: They are noncancerous growths that can multiply on the outer surface of the ovaries. 

Endometriomas: tissues that usually grow inside the uterus can increase outside the uterus and join to the ovaries, lead to a cyst. When the endometrial-like tissue develops outside the womb, it can cause pains during sex or menstruation.

Some women may have a condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) This condition implies the ovaries have a large number of small cysts. It can make the ovaries to enlarge. If left untreated, polycystic ovaries can lead to infertility.

There are also some cancerous cysts that causes ovarian cancer 

What causes ovarian cysts?

1. A follicle cyst results from when the follicle fails to break open and release an egg hence the fluid in the follicle remains and results in the formation of a cyst.

2. A corpus Luteum cyst results after the egg may have been released.

What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?

Sometimes, ovarian cysts often do not show any symptoms. However, symptoms can appear as the cyst develops. Symptoms may include:

1. Abdominal bloating or swelling

2. Painful intercourse

3. Pain in the lower back or thighs

4. Breast tenderness

5. Painful bowel movements

6. Pelvic ache before or during the menstrual cycle

7. Nausea and vomiting

Severe signs and symptoms of an ovarian cyst that need urgent medical attention include:

Severe or sharp pelvic pains

Faintness or dizziness

Rapid breathing

Fever

These symptoms can point out a ruptured cyst or an ovarian torsion. Both complications can have serious effects if not treated on time.

How can I tell if I have an ovarian cyst?

Your doctor can identify an ovarian cyst through a regular pelvic examination. They may observe swelling on one of your ovaries and order an ultrasound test to affirm the presence of a cyst. Ultrasound tests assist in knowing the size, location, shape, and composition (solid or fluid filled) of a cyst.

Imaging tools used to diagnose ovarian cysts include:

CT Scan: a body imaging device used to make cross-sectional images of internal organs.

MRI: This is a test that uses magnetic fields to give in-depth images of internal organs.

Ultrasounds: An imaging device used to see the ovary 

Owing to the fact that the majority of cysts goes away after a few weeks or months, your doctor may as well not immediately recommend a treatment plan. Instead, they can also repeat the ultrasound test in a few weeks or months to your condition.

If there are not any changes in your condition or if the cyst grows in size, your doctor will suggest additional tests to ascertain other causes of your symptoms.

These include: 

Pregnancy test to ensure you’re not pregnant
Hormone degree test to check for hormone-related issues, such as too much estrogen or progesterone
CA-125 blood test to diagnose for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cyst treatment in Nigeria

The doctor may suggest treatment to shrink or remove the cyst if it doesn’t go away on its own or if it grows larger. Functional cysts will usually go away on their own without treatment with 8 to 12 weeks. But treatment options would include the following;

1. Oral Contraceptives (In controlled and supervised doses)

2. Surgery (Laparotomy and Pelvic Laparoscopy)

Other forms of treatment may be used to treat Polycystic Ovarian cysts (PCOS) and similar syndromes.

Treatment of ovarian cysts with birth control pills

If you have persistent ovarian cysts, your doctor can recommend oral contraceptives to end ovulation and avoid the development of new cysts. Oral contraceptives can also reduce your chance of ovarian cancer. The risk of ovarian cancer is more in postmenopausal women.

Laparoscopic removal of ovarian cysts

If your cyst is small and results from an imaging test to rule out cancer, your doctor can perform a laparoscopy to do a surgery to remove the cyst. The procedure entails your doctor making a tiny incision near your navel and then put in a small instrument into your abdomen to remove the cyst.

Ovarian cyst treatment using laparoscopic surgery

If you have a large cyst, your doctor can perform a surgical procedure on you to take away the cyst through a large incision in your abdomen. They’ll carry out an immediate biopsy, and if they know that the cyst is cancerous, they may carry out a hysterectomy to do away with your ovaries and uterus.

How to prevent ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts can not be prevented. However, regular gynecologic examinations can identify ovarian cysts on time. Benign ovarian cysts don’t become cancerous but symptoms of ovarian cancer can look like symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Thus, it’s important to visit your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis. Let your doctor know the symptoms that may point out a problem, such as:

Changes in your menstrual cycle

Ongoing pelvic pain

Unexplained weight loss

Abdominal fullness

Loss of appetite

Cost of ovarian cyst treatment in Nigeria

1. Type of treatment choosen

2. Location, Size and Number of Cysts

3. Age of the patient

4. Location and choice of the Hospital

5. Experience of Surgeon

6. Duration of stay at the hospital

Contact us for more information by calling on 08081111121 or sending an email to info@surjen.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 1)What size of Ovarian cyst is dangerous

cysts typically larger than 50mm in sizes can be classed as dangerous. you should book for a scan or see an healthcare provider. Book now on info@surjen.com

2)What food causes cysts on the ovaries?

 A healthy diet may also impact on the formation of ovarian cysts. Reduced intake of red meats, cheese and cheese products, avoid canned and overly processed meals, introduce more cereals, fruits and vegetables and leguminous meals.

 3) What does Ovarian cyst pain feel like?

Cysts typically do not show any symptoms but when you experience continuous and severe pains in the lower abdomen, swelling,bloating. Sudden severe pain may be experienced in the case of a ruptured  cyst.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.