What are Ovarian Cysts?
Causes, Symptoms, Risks and Treatment

A cyst is a closed sac-like structure - an irregular pocket that is more like a blister containing fluids or semi-solid substances. Encased within a tissue, it can occur anywhere in the body. An ovarian cyst is also a similar structure, except for the fact that it occurs only in the ovaries. In fact, any ovarian follicle which is larger than 2 cm in size is considered to be an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst varies widely in dimensions - it can be as small as a grape or as large as a grapefruit. Moreover, it can be absolutely benign (non-cancerous) and harmless or can become dangerous and malignant (cancerous), and it can cause complications, pain and bleeding.

An interesting thing about the ovarian cyst syndrome is the fact that, this ranks probably among the most widespread conditions. A huge majority of women who can conceive have these cysts. Some of them know about their presence, and others don't - but they have them anyway. In some, these cysts cause complications - and in others they don't. But it is still advisable to seek treatment, just to reduce the risk factors. Then there are post-menopausal women too who can have the cysts. This means that millions of women across the world suffer from the ovarian cyst syndrome.

Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts

In the United States as also elsewhere, most pre and postmenopausal women are afflicted with ovarian cysts. Some of them suffer from severe abdominal pain and infertility, and others are not even aware of its existence in their ovaries. The cysts are usually found during a routine medical check up involving some abdominal problem. However, ultrasound primarily reveals the formation of these cysts in patients who complain of nagging abdominal pain, while MRI scanning establishes its existence. Gynecologists, when in doubt about the malignancy of an ovarian cyst, prefer laparoscopic investigation of the cyst before removing it surgically.

For the sake of investigation, diagnosis and treatment, ovarian cysts are categorized into two distinctive types. The basic type comprise of Functional and Complex or Abnormal cysts. While Functional cysts consist of two more sub-groups known as the Follicular and Luteal cysts, the list of complex or abnormal cyst is rather large.

Functional cysts are usually caused due to minor changes in the normal functioning of the ovary. However, there are two major variations in them that are known as the Follicular and the Luteal cysts. Follicular cysts appear on the womb in the first half of the menstrual cycle when the egg-making follicle of the ovary releases an egg for fertilization during its journey through the fallopian tubes. However sometimes the follicle fails to release the egg, and instead of withering away gradually, continues to grow in size and fluids fill up its body. And eventually it turns into a cyst.

Cysts can also occur even after the egg is released. Luteal cyst develops at the time of the ovulation when the egg has been released and the follicle has ruptured. However, the ruptured follicle soon develops into the corpus luteum that starts producing a hormone called progesterone, which is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. If there is no fertilization, the corpus luteum is supposed to wither away and lead to menstruation. But when the corpus luteum fails to wither, gets filled up with fluids and blood, it turns into a Corpus Luteal cyst or a luteal cyst.

Complex or Abnormal cysts are different however. The mere fact that they stem out of complex or abnormal cell growth does not imply that they are all malignant or cancerous in nature. But you should still remember they can turn dangerous if left untreated or neglected.

Cystadenoma cysts falling under the category of Complex or Abnormal cysts develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovaries. They are likely to grow into abnormally large size and are often found to be attached to the ovary by a thin stalk. These cysts can become a difficult medical issue when they become twisted on their stalk.

Endometrial cysts arise out of endometriosis. Here the lining of the womb starts growing in portions of the body other than the womb. Often, these endometrial patches can also develop on the ovaries and in the process create cysts that contain chocolate colored stale blood. These endometrial patches bleed during monthly periods and as there are no outlets for the accumulated blood to go out, the cysts go on increasing in size. When these rupture, they flood the entire abdominal cavity with stale dark brown blood with accompanying pain and other complications.

Ovarian Cyst Removal