Functional ovarian cyst

Functional ovarian cyst (FOC) is a neoplasm that forms in the ovarian follicle during ovulation. Tumors of this type do not become malignant and are relatively safe. But if the neoplasm grows rapidly, it causes painful discomfort and can compress adjacent tissues.

There are two types of functional cysts:

1. Follicular cyst – occurs when the egg does not leave the follicular formation and fluid accumulates there.
2. Luteal cyst – occurs when the egg leaves the follicular formation, but the cavity of the follicle closes and fluid continues to accumulate in it.

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Reasons

The cause that activates the process of formation of a functional ovarian cyst is hormonal imbalance, but there are a number of equally significant factors:

• early onset of the menstrual cycle.
• thyroid dysfunction.
• pelvic inflammatory disease and sexually transmitted infections.
• dysfunction of the endocrine system, changes in the general hormonal background.
• termination of pregnancy, abortions.
• hypothermia.

It is very important for a woman of any age to monitor her health, so it is important to avoid hypothermia, dress warmly and regularly visit a gynecologist.

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Symptoms

A functional ovarian cyst can develop unnoticed, without causing any changes in the body's functioning. In more than half of the cases, a woman does not even know that the process has already started in her body. And the larger the cystic formation becomes, the more pronounced the symptoms are:

• pain in the lower abdomen (due to compression of the growing tumor on neighboring organs and tissues).
• changes in the menstrual cycle.
• bloody discharge outside the menstrual period, bleeding is possible.

It is very important not to forget that FKJ carries a hidden danger - it can rupture, causing bleeding into the abdominal cavity. At the first signs of a tumor rupture - high temperature, severe and sharp pain in the abdomen, you should immediately consult a doctor. If you do not do this, this will lead to the development of peritonitis and the final prognosis will be disappointing. To monitor the growth and changes of the neoplasm, you need to regularly visit a gynecologist and do an ultrasound of the ovaries and pelvic organs.

Functional cyst of the left ovary

A functional ovarian cyst on the left is much more common. This is due to physiological features - most often the egg matures and comes out on the left side. The intestines can provoke ovarian pathologies on the left side (inflammatory processes are quickly transmitted through the thin muscle wall and mucous membrane).

Functional cyst of the right ovary

Functional ovarian cyst on the right is much less common. The neoplasm can be provoked by an inflammatory process in the intestine, appendicitis. It is not difficult to diagnose FOC, it is enough to simply clarify the localization of pain and its nature.

Functional ovarian cyst measuring 7cm

FKO is often small in size, the diameter varies from 5 to 7 cm. Cysts of small diameter, up to 4 cm, are not operated on - observation is sufficient and, if absolutely necessary, drug treatment is indicated. If the diameter of the cyst is more than 8 cm, a number of complications may develop:

1. Torsion of the cystic pedicle.
2. Tumor rupture.
3. Necrosis of neoplasm.

If the functional ovarian cyst is 7 cm in size or there are complications of the cystic formation, then surgical treatment is indicated. The FOC is enucleated and sutured using laparoscopy. This is a more gentle and less traumatic type of surgical intervention. If there are signs of ovarian necrosis or torsion of the pedicle of the neoplasm, then an abdominal operation is performed and the ovary itself is removed.

Lower abdominal pain with functional cyst

If a functional ovarian cyst hurts, it is worth clarifying the nature of the pain and when the pain intensifies - during walking, running, sudden movements, physical activity, sexual intercourse. Pain may indicate that the tumor has increased in size or the neoplasm has become complicated by torsion, rupture or necrosis of the ovary.

Symptoms of torsion of the ovarian pedicle, rupture of the tumor or necrosis of the ovary:

• "dagger-like" pain in the groin area or lower abdomen;
• dizziness, nausea, vomiting;
• low blood pressure;
• high temperature, intestinal upset;
• If a woman is placed on the side where the pain syndrome is expressed, the pain significantly weakens.

In any case, if the described symptoms appear, you must immediately seek medical help.

Functional ovarian cyst during pregnancy

A functional ovarian cyst does not interfere with the normal development of pregnancy. With the development of a follicular cyst, which is formed during the ovulation period, conception and pregnancy occur without pathologies. In addition, by the beginning of the second trimester, the neoplasm is absorbed without medical or surgical intervention.

With a corpus luteum cyst, which appears as a result of pathology of the blood supply to the corpus luteum of the ovary and the accumulation of fluid in it, there is also no threat to pregnancy and the health of the fetus. In general, a functional cyst of any type and pregnancy are quite compatible, but you should not neglect a visit to the doctor and timely diagnosis - to prevent rupture of the neoplasm or its torsion.

Functional corpus luteum cyst

A functional corpus luteum cyst forms during the second half of the menstrual cycle, some time after ovulation occurs, the area that has not regressed is the basis for cystic formation. Due to impaired blood circulation, fluid begins to accumulate in the cavity, stretching the walls of the cavity. The size of a functional corpus luteum cyst can reach 6 cm.

The development of a corpus luteum cyst is not accompanied by pronounced symptoms, and after 2-3 months the neoplasm disappears on its own. The cellular material of the corpus luteum tumor, as in the case of follicular cysts, produces progesterone. Therefore, menstrual irregularities are associated precisely with the prolonged action of progesterone. In rare cases, uterine bleeding occurs with a corpus luteum cyst. The reason for this disorder is uneven and prolonged exfoliation of the endometrium.

Most often, a corpus luteum cyst is detected by ultrasound in the first trimester of pregnancy. On average, the tumor reaches 4-5 cm in diameter, but can reach up to 6-9 cm. During pregnancy, after 14-16 weeks, a functional ovarian cyst (corpus luteum) stops growing and dissolves. This happens because the placenta regulates hormone production. The presence of a cystic neoplasm does not threaten pregnancy, and its absence is not a very positive sign - it indicates a lack of hormones and the pregnancy may be interrupted.

Rupture of a functional ovarian cyst

Rupture of a functional ovarian cyst poses a direct threat to a woman's life - the pathology is accompanied by peritonitis and pain syndrome, which can lead to death if surgical assistance is not provided in time. Timely treatment at the hospital will help to establish the correct diagnosis faster and save a life.

There are a number of symptoms that indicate that a functional ovarian cyst has ruptured:

• high temperature that does not decrease after taking antipyretic drugs;
• sharp, “dagger-like” pain in the lower abdomen;
• lethargy, weakness, malaise;
• uterine bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge;
• nausea, vomiting;
• unclear consciousness, pallor, cold clammy sweat;
• the stomach is tense;
• low blood pressure, weak pulse.

If the above symptoms appear, you should call a doctor immediately. This will help to rule out possible options and diagnose a ruptured functional cyst in order to provide further assistance.

Treatment

Basically, a functional ovarian cyst does not require treatment and gradually disappears without causing unpleasant symptoms. The necessary treatment includes two stages:

1. Relief of symptoms (pain relief and reduction of the sensation of compression of adjacent tissues and organs by the cyst).
2. Preventive measures to prevent the formation of new tumors include treatment with birth control pills.

Primary treatment

Includes a systematic examination by a gynecologist and monitoring of the dynamics of the neoplasm. The tumor may disappear in a month or two. After the established period, another examination is carried out to determine further treatment tactics.

If the cystic formation has not disappeared or decreased in size, additional tests are performed to exclude other pathologies and prescribe relevant treatment. Symptomatic treatment is indicated at this time - with the help of painkillers prescribed by the attending physician.

Ongoing treatment

If after two months of observation the FKU has not decreased and continues to grow, then drug or surgical treatment is indicated.

In case of functional cysts, the doctor prescribes taking birth control pills for several months. This helps change the hormonal balance and prevents the occurrence of new cystic formations.

In severe cases, with intensive growth of the neoplasm, its surgical removal is indicated - cystectomy. Laparoscopy is indicated if the tumor has not disappeared and continues to develop. This type of surgery minimizes the complexity of the operation and eliminates long-term recovery in the postoperative period.

If the FOC has an atypical form, there is a risk or suspicion of developing ovarian cancer, an open surgery is recommended - laparotomy.

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How to treat a functional cyst?

Factors that determine the treatment regimen for a functional ovarian cyst are the cause of its occurrence, size, dynamics of development, and the woman’s age.

1. Functional ovarian cyst is hormone-dependent. Therefore, treatment is aimed at restoring hormonal balance, which will stop the development of the tumor and prevent relapses. In addition, a homeopathic and vitamin complex is indicated. This will restore the normal functioning of the reproductive system and strengthen the protective properties of the woman's body.
2. Regulating the patient's weight. Excess weight can negatively affect the functioning of the ovaries. It is noted that the dynamics of the disease improves with normalization of weight and balanced nutrition.
3. Parallel monitoring and adjustment of the entire endocrine system – stabilization of the thyroid gland, pancreas, kidneys, and liver.

Supportive treatment aimed at restoring the body's strength.

Treatment of functional ovarian cysts with hormones

Hormonal drugs are indicated for the treatment of cysts, since a functional ovarian cyst is hormone-dependent. The hormonal drug is selected by the doctor strictly individually; most often, these are oral contraceptives (birth control pills). The hormonal drug prevents ovulation, and the period of administration is also selected individually - from several months to a year. After the neoplasm resolves, a year-long intake of contraceptives is indicated.

Also, contraceptive pills are prescribed to prevent relapse. But only in cases where the patient is under 35 and does not abuse smoking. Only a doctor can select an effective method of treatment and prevention, taking into account all the patient's data.

Duphaston for functional cyst

A functional ovarian cyst, as a hormone-dependent formation, is treated with hormonal drugs, which are indicated for polycystic disease or tumor recurrence after its spontaneous resorption.

One of the most effective drugs is Duphaston. This is an analogue of progesterone, which replenishes the deficiency of ovarian hormones and balances them in the woman's body, stimulates the work of the corpus luteum. This drug does not affect ovulation, allows a smooth transition to the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Luteinizing hormones are produced, which affects the growth of the neoplasm - it decreases in size, the walls collapse and stick together, and then the FKY is completely absorbed.

In addition, taking the drug does not cause complications from other systems and has a positive effect on the condition of the uterus. The drug can be taken during pregnancy, but like any hormonal drug, it should be taken under the supervision of a doctor, with an accurate description of the dynamics of the disease.

The dosage and treatment are prescribed by the attending physician individually, but there are a number of generally accepted contraindications:

1. Malignant tumors, cancer.
2. Liver pathology – hepatitis, cirrhosis.
3. Low blood clotting rate.
4. Individual intolerance.

In addition, Duphaston is not an absolute salvation in the treatment of FOC. If after treatment with the drug for two to three months the dynamics are disappointing and the functional ovarian cyst continues to grow, the issue of stopping the drug and changing the treatment tactics is considered.

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