How comman are Ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form inside or on an ovary. They are common and usually benign (not cancerous). Often, they come and go without a woman being aware of them. But our San Antonio OBGYNs advise that it’s time to see a doctor when they start affecting a woman’s life or health.
Functional cysts are the most common type of cyst
Four primary types of cysts are found in or on the ovaries, with functional cysts being the most common.
- Functional – Cysts that form during a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle and typically resolve within six to eight weeks.
- Teratoma – This cyst contains various tissues, including skin and hair. Most teratomas are benign, but they can grow large and become problematic.
- Cystadenoma – Typically benign, cystadenomas grow on the outside of the ovary and can become very large.
- Endometrioma – This cyst affects women with endometriosis and occurs when endometriosis grows on an ovary.
Many women don’t know they have cysts
Most women do not experience symptoms of ovarian cysts. For those who experience symptoms, the most common are a dull ache or sharp pain in the abdomen, bloating, and pressure. A ruptured cyst can cause more severe pain.
If ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms, how are they found?
Because these cysts often cause no symptoms, they are frequently found during a routine pelvic exam. A diagnosis is confirmed by an ultrasound, an imaging test that uses soundwaves to create pictures of tissues in and around the ovaries. It can show a cyst’s size, shape and location.
Other tests include a pregnancy test and blood tests. Your doctor may do blood tests to check hormone and CA-125 levels. These results can identify a hormone imbalance and potential risk for ovarian cancer.
When it’s time for treatment
Functional cysts often resolve within eight to 12 weeks and do not require treatment. However, there are times when treatment for ovarian cysts is necessary.
- When cysts cause pain, fever or dizziness
- When cysts affect quality of life, causing pain or inability to get pregnant
- If cysts do not resolve after three to four months
- When a cyst continually increases in size
- When a cyst is atypical in size, shape or location
- If cancer is suspected
The medical treatment options
Common treatments for cysts in or on the ovaries include hormone medicine, such as birth control, and pain medication.
If necessary, surgery can be performed to remove cysts. Cysts are often removed using laparoscopy, a technique using a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision. At the end of the tube are a video camera and surgical tools that allow the doctor to see and remove cysts.
For larger cysts, or when cancer is suspected, the doctor may perform a laparotomy. This procedure uses a larger incision to remove the cysts. Cancer or damage to the ovary may require the ovary to be removed.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cysts or want to schedule an appointment with our San Antonio OBGYNs, contact us.
