Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a specific cavity on the epithelial outer layer of the ovary, filled with various contents. The formation, which is an ovarian cyst, is considered benign, but during menopause, when the hormonal background undergoes radical changes, the neoplasm poses a threat of developing an oncological process - cystoma.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ]

Types of ovarian cysts

Corpus luteum cyst

A corpus luteum cyst is a cavity that forms from a follicle. During ovulation, the follicle bursts, blood gets into it, which is absorbed (resorption) and acquires a yellowish tint. This process is known to many by the change in the color of a bruise, which gradually turns from red to yellow. The so-called corpus luteum is formed at the site of the ruptured follicle. If the resorption process is difficult for some reason, then hypertrophy of the corpus luteum begins, and a cystic formation appears. An ovarian cyst, which is diagnosed as a corpus luteum cyst, can form at any age, regardless of whether there was sexual intercourse or not, or how often they occur. Corpus luteum cysts often form in pregnant women, which is explained by the increased production of progesterone, a hormone responsible for the preservation of pregnancy. This type of cyst does not pose a danger or threat to either the expectant mother or the baby and does not require surgical or medical intervention. A corpus luteum cyst is characterized by its involutional properties, i.e. the ability to self-resolve. In pregnant women, such a neoplasm disappears by the 20th week, when the progesterone level decreases and the placenta begins to perform its function. In other women, the cystic formation can resolve with the onset of menstruation. A corpus luteum cyst never develops into a malignant formation, does not become malignant.

Signs that may indicate that an ovarian cyst - corpus luteum - is developing:

• Usually, a corpus luteum cyst does not show any signs - no pain, no discharge, if its size does not exceed 4 centimeters.
• If an ovarian cyst develops into a fairly large formation – more than 4 centimeters, painful sensations, a feeling of distension in the lower abdomen, and discomfort during sexual intercourse are possible.

A corpus luteum cyst is diagnosed only during a routine ultrasound examination, i.e. by chance. A small cystic formation, less than 4 centimeters, does not require any medication or surgical treatment. Conservative therapy is indicated only for large cysts or cysts that cause pain. The goal of therapy is to improve all neuroendocrine functions and normalize the metabolic process. There are no categorical contraindications or restrictions in the treatment of this type of cyst, but it is necessary to reduce physical activity and 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 typical for puberty, the period of hormonal balance formation. An ovarian cyst of this type is also asymptomatic if it is small in size. If the cystic formation grows to a size exceeding 5-6 centimeters, there is a risk of a pathological condition - torsion of the pedicle. Such a neoplasm can burst and cause symptoms similar to the clinical picture of "acute abdomen". Often, the process of cyst rupture occurs during the menstrual period, then the clinical picture is characterized by typical ovulatory pain.

Follicular ovarian cyst is diagnosed using ultrasound scanning.

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

[ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Parovarian cyst of the ovary

An ovarian cyst, which is diagnosed as paraovarian, is a neoplasm formed from the ovarian appendage. As a rule, such types of neoplasms are observed in young women aged 20 to 40 years. A paraovarian ovarian cyst is a formation considered benign, it never develops into an oncological process. The cyst cavity is filled with fluid without blood, the walls are quite thin, a cystic formation of this type is a benign tumor that is not capable of resolving on its own, unlike follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts.

Symptomatically, a paraovarian ovarian cyst is characterized by pain in the lumbar region and typical pain in the lower abdomen. The pain usually increases with physical exertion, the menstrual cycle does not affect the nature of the painful sensations, neither weakens nor increases them. An ovarian cyst of this type can quickly increase in size and compress, displace nearby organs, so symptoms similar to an inflammatory process in the kidneys or liver are common. One of the signs of such a cyst, in addition to pain, may be a violation of the menstrual cycle or persistent infertility.

If the paraovarian cyst of the ovary is small in size, it is usually diagnosed during a routine gynecological examination, using ultrasound. If the cystic formation is more than 5 centimeters, it causes severe pain, and the woman goes to the doctor with them specifically. Large cysts are treated only surgically, in order to avoid twisting of the pedicle and more dangerous consequences in the form of damage to the ovary. Also, a large ovarian cyst can interfere with the fertilization process, including artificially. Operations are performed using a gentle method - laparoscopic, the recovery period does not take more than 2 months.

Dermoid cyst of the ovary

An ovarian cyst, which is diagnosed as a dermoid cyst, is a cavity containing connective tissue and embryonic layers. A dermoid cystic formation is also considered a benign unilateral tumor that occurs in young women. An ovarian cyst of this type is diagnosed by chance, during an examination by a gynecologist, since it does not cause obvious clinical manifestations. If the cystic formation grows to a large size - more than 10 centimeters, then there may be a feeling of distension, pain in the abdomen, and often the abdomen itself increases in size and protrudes. There are often cases of constipation that have no physiological explanation, and urination disorders. The most dangerous variant of a dermoid cyst is torsion of its stalk, which is accompanied by sharp and severe pain in the epigastrium, radiating to the limbs or rectum, and an increase in temperature to 38-39 degrees.

Treatment of a dermoid cyst involves surgical intervention; it does not respond to conservative therapy. The extent of surgical intervention is determined by the size of the cyst and the patient's age. If a woman has reached the age of 40-45 and is not planning to become pregnant again, adnexectomy is possible - complete removal of the ovary and fallopian tube. In younger patients, cystectomy is performed - removal of the cyst itself or resection of the damaged ovary.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Endometrioid ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst, which is diagnosed as an endometrioma, is the growth of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity into the ovary. The cavity of such a cyst is usually filled with liquid contents mixed with blood. The symptoms of endometrioma are all the clinical signs characteristic of endometriosis: nagging pain in the pelvic area, persistent infertility, menstrual irregularities, pain during sexual intercourse.

Endometrioma is diagnosed using a complete gynecological examination, including ultrasound and puncture.

Treatment can be conservative only in the early stages of development of this type of cyst. However, there are often cases when the ovarian cyst continues to grow even with complex active drug treatment, then the only effective method is surgery (laparoscopy). Healthy, undamaged ovarian tissue remains intact, after surgery, an additional course of drug therapy is necessary to reduce the risk of relapse. In the most extreme cases, when the ovarian cyst develops to large sizes, complete removal of the ovary is possible.

[ 10 ]

Mucinous cystadenoma

This is an ovarian cyst containing specific mucus. Such a cystic formation develops rapidly and can be simply huge. Cystadenoma poses a serious danger to a woman's health, since there is a risk of rupture, mucin (mucus) leakage into the pelvis and abdominal cavity. This ovarian cyst is considered malignant, since its malignancy accounts for about 20% of all diagnosed cases. The only treatment method is surgery, which is often performed urgently. As a rule, the ovary remains, it is not removed, the cyst is completely enucleated. The prognosis is favorable with timely diagnosis and surgical intervention. After the recovery period, a woman can become pregnant.

Ovarian cysts often develop asymptomatically, but even minor atypical signs can help to identify these neoplasms in a timely manner and begin effective treatment. Signs of a cyst include the following symptoms:

• Frequent increase in body temperature.
• Sudden pain in the lower abdomen.
• Nausea, vomiting not associated with food poisoning or pregnancy.
• Weakness, fatigue, pale skin.
• Irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
• Enlargement, protrusion of the abdomen.
• The appearance of hair on the body and face.
• Blood pressure surges.
• Urination disorders, constipation not associated with physiological causes.
• Steady weight loss.
• Unexplained formations in the abdominal area that can be felt with the fingers.

An ovarian cyst is a fairly common phenomenon, which, however, should not be considered commonplace; only follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts are functional, that is, relatively safe. All other types of neoplasms can lead to serious consequences that threaten not only a woman’s reproductive function, but sometimes her life. The only way to prevent this, due to the frequent asymptomatic development of cysts, is routine gynecological examinations. A visit to your gynecologist should become a good tradition that provides confidence in maintaining your own health.