Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ovarian cysts are a formation of fluid-filled sacs on or within the ovaries. While smaller cysts cause no symptoms, larger ones can result in pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular periods. To avoid such inconvenience, it is crucial for women to go for regular check-ups and stay aware of the symptoms. Diagnosis of ovarian cysts often involves a pelvic exam and imaging tests, while treatment depends on the cyst type and size, ranging from monitoring to surgery. Ovarian cysts can be prevented by consuming birth control pills and maintaining a healthy weight; however, it’s important to consult the doctor, depending on the severity of symptoms, for more personalised diagnoses. Read on to learn about this condition in detail.

Ovarian cysts are a formation of fluid-filled sacs on or within the ovaries. While smaller cysts cause no symptoms, larger ones can result in pelvic pain, bloating, or irregular periods. To avoid such inconvenience, it is crucial for women to go for regular check-ups and stay aware of the symptoms. Diagnosis of ovarian cysts often involves a pelvic exam and imaging tests, while treatment depends on the cyst type and size, ranging from monitoring to surgery. Ovarian cysts can be prevented by consuming birth control pills and maintaining a healthy weight; however, it’s important to consult the doctor, depending on the severity of symptoms, for more personalised diagnoses. Read on to learn about this condition in detail.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are two primary categories of ovarian cysts: functional and non-functional.

1. Functional Cysts:

These cysts are the most common type. They arise in response to your menstrual cycle and are typically benign. They often disappear on their own within a few months. These can be —

• Follicular Cysts:

These form when a follicle, responsible for releasing an egg during ovulation, doesn't release it and instead fills it with fluid.

• Corpus Luteum Cysts:

After ovulation, the remaining follicle transforms into a corpus luteum, a structure that produces hormones. Sometimes, fluid can accumulate within the corpus luteum, forming a cyst.

2. Non-Functional Cysts:

These cysts are not related to your menstrual cycle and can be benign or malignant (cancerous). These can be —

• Cystadenomas:

These cysts form on the ovary's surface and can be filled with watery or mucous-like fluid.

• Dermoid Cysts (Teratomas) :

These uncommon cysts contain various types of body tissues, such as hair, skin, or even teeth.

• Endometriomas:

These cysts form when the endometrial tissue, the lining of the uterus, implants on the ovary. This can occur in women with endometriosis (i.e., a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus).