Ovarian cysts

What is an ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cysts are sacs filled with fluid or solid material which develop within an ovary.

What causes ovarian cysts?

<pFunctional cysts develop when follicles that contains an egg grow, but do not rupture. Dermoid cysts are made up from reproductive cells and are very common in young women. Most of them are benign. Endometrioma is a cyst that contains old blood (also called chocolate cyst) and develops in women with endometriosis. Corpus luteum cysts develop in early pregnancy to provide support until the placenta forms and normally resolves spontaneously, but sometimes persists longer. Pelvic infection can sometimes form an abscess, cyst filled with pus. Various non-cancerous growths. Cancerous growths.

What are symptoms of ovarian cysts?

Sometimes they don’t cause any symptoms and are found incidentally. If they are big then they may cause pain in the belly, lower back, during intercourse, discomfort. Heavy and big cysts can cause ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary) which produces severe abdominal pain with nausea or vomiting.

Do I need any other investigations?

Normally ovarian cysts are detected on ultrasound. Your doctor may organise blood tests to help determine the type of cysts. Sometimes additional imaging procedures such as MRI are done to assess size, locations and other features of the cyst.

What is treatment of ovarian cysts?

Treatment is dependent on the type and size of the cyst, and whether you have any symptoms. Sometimes no treatment is needed as often cysts resolve on their own over a few months. Sometimes surgery is indicated and may involve the removal of only the cyst, and sometimes removal of the whole ovary.

Do cysts recur?

That depends on the type of cysts. Some of them may recur.