Treatment of an ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a benign growth that has a hollow structure and is filled with a liquid or semi-liquid substance. A cyst can develop from different cells lining the surface of the reproductive organs. Therefore, different types of neoplasms are distinguished, some of which dissolve on their own, while others require surgical treatment.

Usually there are no signs of small cysts. They are diagnosed at preventive examinations. Pain and other symptoms appear only with certain types of cysts or in case of complications caused by them.

OVARIAN CYST SYMPTOMS

Women most often do not experience tumor development. Well-being deteriorates mainly with increased neoplasm or complications such as torn or twisted cysts.

You can suspect a cyst or other gynecological disease by the following symptoms:

• sharp or aching pain in the lower abdomen, which can extend to the lower back or localize in the ovarian zone;
• changes in the menstrual cycle (delay, early onset of menstruation, heavy or poor discharge);
• spotting in the middle of the cycle;
• pain during intercourse;
• discomfort or increased urination.

Breaking the capsule, twisting of the leg and other complications can lead to severe abdominal pain and a general deterioration of well-being. In this case, urgent surgical assistance is required.

CAUSES OF OVARIAN CYSTS

Functional cysts are associated with hormonal disorders, in particular luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. They develop in women of reproductive age. Less common are organic tumors that are less dependent on hormone levels.

The likelihood of developing an ovarian cyst is increased by:

• hereditary predisposition;
• impaired hormonal balance;
• endocrine diseases;
• miscarriage;
• chronic inflammatory diseases of the reproductive organs;
• early or late onset of menarche;
• late menopause;
• stimulation of ovulation;
• taking certain medications;
• metabolic disease.

TYPES OF OVARIAN CYSTS

Depending on the cause of development and structure, the following types of cysts are distinguished:

• follicular cyst - develops in case of ovulatory failure, when the mature follicle does not rupture;
• lutein cyst - appears after ovulation, when fluid accumulates in the corpus luteum (temporary gland);
• endometrioid cyst- is formed with ovarian endometriosis and is manifested by pronounced symptoms (pain, pressure, etc.);
• paraovarian cyst - formed from the cells of the supra ovarian appendage on the outside of the ovary;
• dermoid cyst - formed from cells of the surface epithelium, which entered the ovary during embryonic development;
• thecalutein cyst - develops with insufficient synthesis of progesterone by the corpus luteum at an early stage of pregnancy.

Follicular and lutein cysts are called functional. They develop in case of the ovarian-menstrual cycle failure. These types are mostly often found in women. They may have no signs and dissolve on their own within 1-2 months. Thecalutein cysts also have a tendency to regression. They can go away after childbirth and after lactation comes to its finish. All types of cysts require monitoring and control over time.

WHICH COMPLICATIONS CAN CAUSE OVARIAN CYST?

Some cysts can develop asymptomatically and dissolve on their own, but other types can cause serious complications without appropriate treatment.

The consequences of an ovarian cyst can be:

• twisting of the leg;
• rupture of the cyst;
• purulent process in the cyst body;
• ovaries and related organs dysfunction;
• pregnancy loss;
• infertility.

These complications are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, high fever, nausea, and others. If they appear, you need to urgently seek medical help, as surgical treatment may be required.

DIAGNOSIS OF OVARIAN CYST

Most often, ovarian cysts are detected during an ultrasound scan. Additional instrumental studies may be required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of the growth. The gynecologist may prescribe CT, MRI, or color doppler ultrasonography of the pelvic organs.

TREATMENT OF OVARIAN CYST IN «OXFORD MEDICAL»

With small functional cysts, the gynecologist can choose surveillance tactics. Then the doctor will schedule consultations and an ultrasound to assess the status of the tumors over time. Functional cysts can dissolve over several months. If not, therapy may be needed.

For ovarian cysts, medication and surgical treatment are used. In the first case, hormonal drugs are prescribed to restore the general well-being and other medications, for example, to treat inflammatory diseases and reduce pain.

Surgeries are prescribed for dermoid cysts, large tumors, severe symptoms, ineffectiveness of conservative therapy and the appearance of the disease after menopause. Most surgeries are performed laparoscopically - with small punctures in the abdominal cavity. Depending on the size of the cyst, the age of the woman and plans to have or not have children, resection of the cyst capsule is performed without affecting the ovarian tissue, or removal of the cyst and part of the ovary, or complete removal of the ovary.

Medical centers «Oxford Medical» in Kiev are equipped with new technologies of leading European brands. It makes it possible to carry out the most accurate diagnosis of all pathologies and surgical operations of any complexity.

In case of ovarian cysts, our gynecological surgeons carry out mainly low-traumatic operations, which allow preserving the organ and the reproductive function of a woman. However, these are drastic measures. If possible, our specialists first prescribe conservative therapy.

OVARIAN CYST PREVENTION

We recommend to adhere to the following rules to prevent the formation of cysts:

• control endocrine profile, prevent disorders;
• take oral contraceptives by medical prescription only;
• make sure that the menstrual cycle is regular, and in case of failure, contact a gynecologist;
• timely treat all female diseases;
• visit a gynecologist and do an ultrasound scan for preventive purposes at least once a year.

To make an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist, call our contact center or write to the chat.

You can find out the cost of consultation, ultrasound, and surgeries in the price section.