Follicular cyst

A follicular cyst is a fairly common type of neoplasm, which belongs to the category of functional benign cysts. The cyst is formed if there is no ovulation for some reason, when the mature follicle is full of fluid, but does not rupture due to the absence of ovulation. This is a specific bubble, usually small in size, with thin walls, single-chamber. Most often, a follicular cyst develops during the period of hormonal formation in young women who have not given birth, but recently in gynecological clinical practice, cases of diagnosing neoplasms in women in the pre-menopausal period have become increasingly common.

A follicular cyst is diagnosed randomly, usually in women of reproductive age during routine gynecological examinations or when a woman registers for pregnancy. This type of cyst often does not manifest itself with symptoms, and one of its indisputable advantages is the ability of the cystic formation to self-resolve. However, a follicular ovarian cyst is not always harmless, it can develop to large sizes, compress neighboring organs, in addition, its stalk can twist and block the blood supply to the veins of the ovary. Any alarming manifestation in the state of health related to the pelvic organs should not be ignored by a woman, because a follicular cyst affects reproductive function, provoking its absence (infertility), and sometimes it is about life.

How does a follicular cyst manifest itself?

• Heaviness in the groin area of the abdomen.
• A feeling of distension in the lower abdomen.
• Periodic tingling, shooting pain on the right or left in the lower abdomen.
• Pain in the lower abdomen during intense exercise or running.
• Pain in the lower abdomen with a sudden change in body position.
• Pain in the lower abdominal region when bending sharply.
• Pain in the groin, right or left, during or after sexual intercourse.
• Pain in the middle of the menstrual cycle, often cramping.
• Weakness and decreased body temperature in the last period of the menstrual cycle.
• Discharge with blood clots between menstrual cycles.

A follicular cyst is dangerous due to its complications and consequences, among which the most alarming are rupture and torsion of the stalk. Torsion of the cyst can be caused by excessive physical activity - sports exercises, intense sexual contact, trauma, a fall. A small torsion is just as dangerous as a complete one, because both of them disrupt the outflow of arterial blood, blocking the venous blood supply. As a result, the follicular cyst literally fills with liquid, its walls can become necrotic or burst, which leads to internal bleeding and peritonitis.

Symptoms of torsion of the tumor stalk:

• Severe, sharp pain, similar to contractions.
• Severe dizziness to the point of loss of consciousness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Sweating, tachycardia.
• Drop in blood pressure, slow or rapid pulse.
• Peristaltic "silence" of the intestinal tract - intestinal stasis.

Symptoms of a ruptured cyst:

• A stabbing pain, most often in the groin, on the right or left, in the place where the cyst is localized. •
• Nausea, often vomiting.
• Fever, cold sweat.
• Loss of consciousness, fainting.
• Drop in blood pressure.

How is follicular cyst treated?

Treatment of uncomplicated cystic formations consists of dynamic observation during 2-4 monthly cycles. Often, observation does not involve drug treatment if the follicular cyst is small and does not bother the woman. If the cyst does not involute, hormonal therapy is indicated, which involves the administration of monophasic or biphasic contraceptives. During conservative therapy, the condition of the cyst is also monitored using ultrasound. If the cyst develops and exceeds 7-8 centimeters in size, it is enucleated, the walls of the cavity are sutured. Partial resection of the ovary is also possible, preserving all possible tissues considered healthy. The operation is minimally invasive, as it is performed using a laparoscopic method. After a successful surgical intervention, ovarian functions are restored, and the woman can become pregnant, provided that all recommendations are followed during the rehabilitation period.

Follicular cyst, as well as other types of neoplasms, is subject to prevention, which consists of simple actions on the part of the woman. We are talking about regular gynecological examinations every six months. This allows timely detection of such a formation as a follicular cyst at an early stage of development, when it is possible to get by with a conservative method of therapy, without the risk of complications and fear of a possible operation.