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Ovarian cyst

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
 
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Ovarian cyst is a specific cavity on the epithelial outer layer of the ovary, filled with various contents. Education, which is an ovarian cyst, is considered benign, but during the menopause, when the hormonal background undergoes drastic changes, the neoplasm represents a threat of development of the oncology process - cystoma.

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Types of ovarian cysts

Yellow body cyst

The yellow body cyst is a cavity that is formed from the follicle. During the ovulation period, the follicle bursts, blood enters it, which dissolves (resorption) and acquires a yellowish tinge. This process is known to many by changing the color of the bruise, which gradually turns from yellow to yellow. At the site of the ruptured follicle, the so-called yellow body is formed. If the process of resorption is hampered for some reason, then the hypertrophy of the yellow body begins, cystic formation occurs. An ovarian cyst that is diagnosed as a yellow body cyst can be formed at any age, regardless of whether there was a sexual act or not, or how often they occur. Often, the yellow body cyst is formed in pregnant women, which is explained by the increased production of progesterone, the hormone responsible for the safety of pregnancy. This type of cyst does not pose a threat or threat to either the future mother or the baby and does not require prompt or medical intervention. The cyst of the yellow body is characterized by its involutionary properties, that is, the ability to self-resorption. In pregnant women, a similar neoplasm occurs by the 20th week, when the level of progesterone decreases and its function begins to be performed by the placenta. In other women, cystic education can resolve when menstruation occurs. The yellow body cyst never develops into a malignant formation, it does not become malignant.

Signs that may indicate that the ovarian cyst is developing - the yellow body: 

  • Usually the cyst of the yellow body does not show any signs - neither pain nor excretion, if its size does not exceed 4 centimeters. 
  • If the ovarian cyst develops into a fairly large formation - more than 4 centimeters, painful sensations, a feeling of bursting in the lower abdomen, discomfort with sexual contact are possible.

The cyst of the yellow body is diagnosed only with the planned ultrasound examination, that is, accidentally. A small cystic formation, less than 4 cm, does not require either medication or surgical treatment. Conservative therapy is indicated only for large cysts or cysts that cause painful sensations. The goal of therapy is to improve all neuroendocrinal functions, normalize the metabolic process. Categorical contraindications and limitations in the treatment of cysts of this kind does not exist, but it is necessary to reduce physical activity, exclude active sports. 

Follicular ovarian cyst

It is formed in the absence of ovulation, the follicle is filled, but does not burst. Follicular cysts are characteristic for the pubertal period, the period of the formation of hormonal equilibrium. An ovarian cyst of this type is also asymptomatic if small in size. If the cystic formation grows to a size exceeding 5-6 centimeters, a danger of a pathological condition is possible - the torsion of the leg. Such a neoplasm can burst and cause symptomatology similar to the clinical picture of an "acute abdomen." Often, the process of rupturing the cyst occurs during the menstrual period, then the clinical picture is characterized by typical ovulatory pains.

The follicular ovarian cyst is diagnosed by ultrasound scanning.

Treatment of small cysts is not required, but if the cyst grows to 8 centimeters, estragen therapy is indicated. If the follicular cyst develops in diameter more than eight centimeters, surgical intervention by laparoscopic, gentle method - suturing the cyst wall, resection of the affected ovary is possible. If a large cyst bursts because of a twisting of the leg, there is a risk of rupture of the ovary, then a full surgical operation is performed.

trusted-source[6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12]

Paraovarian Ovarian Cyst

The ovarian cyst, which is diagnosed as parovarial, is a neoplasm formed from the ovaries. As a rule, such neoplasms are observed in young women aged 20 to 40 years. The parovarial ovarian cyst is an education considered benign, it never grows into an oncoprocess. The cavity of the cyst is filled with a liquid without a blood admixture, the walls are rather thin, the cystic formation of this type is a benign tumor that is not capable of resolving itself unlike follicular cysts or cysts of the yellow body.

Symptomatically, the parovarial ovarian cyst is characterized by pain in the lumbar region and typical pain in the lower abdomen. Pain usually increases with physical activity, the menstrual cycle does not affect the character of the painful sensations, neither weakens nor strengthens them. An ovarian cyst of this kind is capable of rapidly increasing and squeezing, displacing adjacent organs, so there are often symptoms similar to the inflammatory process of the kidneys or liver. One of the signs of such a cyst, other than pain, may be a menstrual cycle or persistent infertility.

If the parovarial ovarian cyst is small in size, it is usually diagnosed with a planned gynecological examination, on ultrasound. If the cystic formation is more than 5 centimeters, it causes severe pain, and the woman treats them with the doctor purposefully. Large cysts are treated only surgically, to avoid twisting the leg and more dangerous consequences in the form of damage to the ovary. Also, a large ovarian cyst can interfere with the process of fertilization, including by artificial means. The operations are carried out sparing method - laparoscopic, the recovery period does not take more than 2 months.

Dermoid ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst that is diagnosed as dermoid is a cavity containing connective tissue, embryonic layers. Dermoid cystic formation is also considered a benign, one-sided tumor, which occurs in women of young age. The ovarian cyst of this type is diagnosed by accident, when examined by a gynecologist, as there are no obvious clinical manifestations. If the cystic formation grows to a large size - more than 10 centimeters, then there may be sensations of raspiraniya, pain in the abdomen, often the belly itself increases, bulges. Cases of constipation, which do not have physiological explanations, urination disorders are not uncommon. The most dangerous variant of the dermoid cyst is the torsion of its pedicle, which is accompanied by a sharp and severe pain in the epigastrium, irradiating in the extremities or rectum, raising the temperature to 38-39 degrees.

Treatment of dermoid cysts involves surgery, conservative therapy, it does not lend itself. The scope of surgical intervention is determined by the size of the cyst and the age of the patient. If a woman has reached the age of 40-45 years and does not intend to become pregnant any more, an adnexectomy is possible - removal of the ovary and the fallopian tube completely. In younger patients, a cystectomy is performed-removal of the cyst itself or resection of the damaged ovary.

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Endometrioid ovarian cyst

Ovarian cyst, which is diagnosed as an endometrioma, is the germination of the mucous membrane of the inner cavity of the uterus into the ovary. The cavity of such a cyst, as a rule, is filled with liquid contents with an admixture of blood. Symptoms of endometriomas are all clinical signs characteristic of endometriosis: drawing pain in the pelvic region, persistent infertility, violation of the menstrual cycle, pain in sexual intercourse.

Endometrioma is diagnosed with a full gynecological examination, including ultrasound and puncture.

Treatment can be conservative only in the early stages of development of a cyst of this kind. However, it is not uncommon for the ovarian cyst to continue to increase and for complex active medication, then the only effective method is surgery (laparoscopy). Healthy, intact tissue of the ovary remains safe, after surgery, an additional course of drug therapy is needed to reduce the risk of relapse. In the most extreme cases, when the ovarian cyst develops to large sizes, complete ovarian removal is possible.

trusted-source[19]

Mucinous cystadenoma

This is an ovarian cyst containing a specific mucus. Such a cystic formation is rapidly developing, maybe just huge. Cystadenoma represents a serious danger to the health of women, because there is a risk of rupture, the outflow of mucin (mucus) into the small pelvis and abdominal cavity. This ovarian cyst is considered substandard, since its malignancy is about 20% of all diagnosed cases. The only method of treatment is an operation that is often carried out urgently. As a rule, the ovary remains, it is not removed, the cyst is completely exfoliated. The prognosis is favorable in the timely diagnosis and conduct of surgical intervention. After the recovery period a woman may become pregnant.

The ovarian cyst often develops asymptomatically, but even small uncharacteristic signs can help in a timely manner to identify these tumors and begin effective treatment. The following symptoms are indicative of cysts: 

  • Frequent increase in body temperature. 
  • Suddenly, pain occurs in the lower abdomen. 
  • Nausea, vomiting, not associated with food poisoning or pregnancy. 
  • Weakness, fatigue, pale skin. 
  • Violation of the monthly cycle. 
  • Increase, protrusion of the abdomen. 
  • The appearance of hair on the body, face. 
  • Blood pressure jumps. 
  • Violation of urination, constipation, not associated with physiological causes. 
  • A steady decrease in body weight. 
  • Unclear abdominal formations that can be finger-fingered.

Ovarian cyst is a fairly common phenomenon, which however should not be considered ordinary, functional, that is, relatively safe, are only the follicular cyst and cyst of the yellow body. All other types of neoplasms can lead to serious consequences, threatening not only the reproductive function of women, but sometimes her life. The only method of prevention, due to the frequent asymptomatic development of cysts are planned gynecological examinations. A visit to a treating gynecologist should be a good tradition, which ensures confidence in maintaining one's own health.

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