Ovarian Cysts And Endometrioma Link REVEALED

The link between ovarian cysts and endometrioma

In women of childbearing age the ovaries normally produce one egg every month. A growth resembling a cyst is called a follicle and is formed within the ovary during this process of ovulation. These follicles are like blisters filled with fluid .When an egg is released during the ovulation process, these ripe follicles burst .In the normal course, if this process does not culminate in pregnancy these harmless, empty follicles dissolve and disappear without any medical attention. However, sometimes this process does not follow this normal pattern.

An imbalance in the female hormones, progesterone and estrogen lead to abnormal ovarian cysts like endometrioma cysts. The disease is also commonly known as Endometriosis of the ovaries.

In this disease, cells resembling the tissue lining inside the uterus get attached to the outside of the ovary in the form of tiny cysts. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle cause these cysts to multiply and enlarge slowly, replacing and spreading over the normal ovarian tissue. These endometrioma cysts are also referred to as "chocolate cysts" because they contain a chocolate like fluid. This thick fluid spreads on to the uterus, the bowel, the bladder and any available gaps in the pelvic area when this ovarian cyst bursts.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts and Endometrioma

In ovarian cysts there are often no symptoms if the cysts are smaller than three centimeters in size .If they are larger, the most common symptoms are irregular, painful or delayed menstruation and pressure or a bloated feeling in the abdomen.

Other symptoms are caused depending on other parameters like twisting, bursting or bleeding of a cyst and of course, the most important factor; the size of the ovarian cyst. This causes irritation of the tissues in the abdomen and the blockage of blood flow to the cyst as in the case of twisting of the cyst, known as torsion. At such times, women may experience a dull ache in the abdomen or pelvic area and pain during intercourse. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your physician or gynaecologist immediately. He will suggest an examination and ultrasound of the pelvic area in case he finds any abnormalities in the uterus.

There is a special blood test, CA 125 which diagnoses both endometriomas and ovarian cancer but an examination of ovarian tissues and a biopsy are essential to confirm cancer.

Treatment

Factors like the woman's age, her health, the type and size of the ovarian cyst & at what stage it has been detected determine the line of treatment. Initially hormones or oral contraceptives are prescribed to see if the ovarian cysts subside within a couple of menstrual cycles. However, since chances of endometriosis increase due to ovarian cysts, surgery might be necessary where the "chocolatey" fluid is carefully removed without any spillage in the abdomen & the ovaries are saved. In menopausal or women above forty the removal of both the ovaries and sometimes even hysterectomy might be necessary. However do remember that ovarian cyst surgeries may come with complications. So always consider this before opting for surgery.