Corpus luteum cyst

A corpus luteum cyst develops when an ovarian follicle bursts and fills with fluid, often mixed with blood. This type of cyst is quite rare in gynecological practice; it is diagnosed in only 3-5% of women with neoplasms. The formation of corpus luteum cysts does not depend on age; they can appear in reproductive age in women aged 15 to 55 years.

Causes corpus luteum cysts

The etiology of the neoplasm is still being clarified, but more and more gynecologists are leaning towards the theory of pathological changes in the circulatory system and blood supply of the temporary endocrine gland, which is the corpus luteum (yellow body). Also, the formation of cysts can be associated with functional disorders during the second, luteal phase of the cycle.

Pathogenesis

Corpus luteum is a specific gland that produces progesterone after the end of the ovulation period. This gland is called yellow because of the shade that lutein gives it. In fact, the corpus luteum begins to form from follicular cells in the luteal phase, when the oocyte (egg) leaves the follicle. The formation of the corpus luteum is controlled by the pituitary gland with the help of a peptide hormone - luteotropin. Corpus luteum is needed only in case of fertilization, if it does not occur, the gland gradually transforms into a scar, reduces the production of progesterone, thereby activating the onset of menstruation. During fertilization, the corpus luteum performs a kind of "guard" function - it maintains pregnancy by producing progesterone and prevents the appearance of new oocytes, and therefore a new menstruation.

Symptoms corpus luteum cysts

A cystic formation that develops in place of the corpus luteum cells is practically not manifested. Such neoplasms can grow for several months, asymptomatically, then they also involute unnoticed and disappear. Rarely, a corpus luteum cyst can disrupt the menstrual cycle, slightly delay its onset or provoke its protracted nature. Even more rarely, the neoplasm manifests itself with nagging pain in the lower abdominal region. If the tumor develops intensively and grows to large sizes, it can be accompanied by complications such as rupture or torsion of the pedicle.

Complications and consequences

Symptoms of complications of the corpus luteum cyst, such as rupture, are manifested by the clinical picture of an “acute abdomen”:

• Sudden severe pain, often cramping.
• The pain is diffuse, that is, spread out; it is not localized in any one part of the abdomen.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Tension of the abdominal muscles (board-like stomach).
• Pain in the abdominal muscles upon palpation.
• A pronounced Shchetkin-Blumberg symptom: intense pain when the palpating hand is suddenly removed from the abdominal wall.
• Constipation.
• Flatulence with difficulty passing gases.
• Peristaltic "silence" in the intestines.
• Increased heart rate.
• Sweating and pale skin.

This condition requires urgent surgical care, and an ambulance must be called immediately, as every hour of delay can be fatal.

Such a complication is very rare, however, it is also dangerous not only for the woman's health, but also for her life. As a result of torsion, the blood supply to the veins is blocked with blood flow through the arteries. As a result, the cyst quickly increases in size, an adhesion process begins, which provokes necrosis of the cyst itself. If there is even a minimal presence of bacteria in the intestine, they begin to multiply in necrotic tissues, which leads to peritonitis.

Torsion of the corpus luteum cyst stalk, symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the lower abdomen, localized on the side where the cyst is located.
• Nausea, weakness
• Increased body temperature.
• Rapid pulse.
• Tension in the abdominal muscles.
• Positive symptom of irritation of the abdominal walls.

Diagnostics corpus luteum cysts

The neoplasm is often diagnosed by chance during routine examinations. If there are obvious symptoms indicating the presence of a neoplasm in the ovaries, a full diagnostic complex is carried out, including:

• Visual inspection on the chair.
• Abdominal, intravaginal ultrasound scanning.
• Laparoscopy.
• Laboratory blood tests.

To clarify the diagnosis, monitoring observation is often prescribed for two months using ultrasound examination. Often, during the observation period, the corpus luteum cyst involutions, which indicates its small size and initial stage of development. If resorption does not occur, the cyst increases in size, it is operated on to avoid the risk of complications.

Treatment corpus luteum cysts

Corpus luteum cyst is a functional type of neoplasm and is successfully treated conservatively. To avoid surgical intervention, all women of reproductive age should undergo preventive gynecological examinations once every six months.