Ovarian cysts are like sacs filled with fluid. They grow on the ovaries. They can be small or big. Small ones usually don’t need treatment. But, larger or symptomatic cysts might need surgery. Though most are not harmful, a few can be or become cancerous. Signs of an ovarian cyst are pain in the pelvis, feeling bloated, needing to pee a lot, and changes in periods. How they are treated depends on their size, symptoms, and the patient’s age. Sometimes, doctors also look at stem cell therapy as a modern option.
Key Takeaways:
- Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries.
- Many ovarian cysts don’t cause problems, but some can turn into cancer.
- Issues with ovarian cysts can include pelvic pain, bloating, and changes in how often you pee and your periods.
- How a cyst is treated depends on its size, the symptoms, and age of the person.
- Sometimes, doctors might suggest therapy using stem cells.
Types and Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts fall into two main types: functional and pathological. Functional cysts, the common kind, usually don’t cause a problem. Follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts are examples.
Follicle cysts form when an egg doesn’t release normally. The follicle grows into a cyst. Corpus luteum cysts happen when the egg’s sac doesn’t go away after release.
Pathological cysts don’t follow the usual cycle and can be benign or cancerous. Examples include endometriomas, dermoid cysts, and ovarian cancer among others.
Causes differ by cyst type. Functional ones are often due to changes in hormones or medications. Pathological cysts might come from infections or endometriosis.
Ovarian Cyst Sizes
The size of ovarian cysts varies. Functional cysts are small, from a few to about five centimeters. They usually go away without needing treatment.
Pathological cysts can get much bigger, up to 15 centimeters or more. The size of the cyst helps decide what treatment is best.
Ovarian Cyst Pain
Ovarian cysts can be painful, especially when they get larger or cause other problems. Pain can be a dull ache in the lower belly or a sudden, sharp jab in the pelvis. The level of pain changes from person to person.
If pain is severe or doesn’t go away, and you also have a fever or start vomiting, see a doctor right away.
Complex Ovarian Cysts
Complex ovarian cysts have solid areas or thicker walls. They could be or become cancerous. If you’re diagnosed with a complex cyst, doctors usually need to watch it closely.
Diagnosing and Treating Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are diagnosed through pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and blood work. These tests show the size and type of cyst. If a cyst is small and symptom-free, it might just be watched. But if it causes pain, gets bigger, or looks odd, it might need treatment.
Treating ovarian cysts depends on the cyst’s size, how bad the symptoms are, and the patient’s age. Usually, surgery is needed to take out the cyst. Doctors often use laparoscopy, a surgery with small cuts, for an easier recovery. But if the cyst is big or might be cancer, a larger cut via laparotomy is done.
New medical methods like stem cell therapy are also being explored. This treatment is not fully tested but could offer better results in the future for those with ovarian cysts.
Ovarian Cyst Treatment Options
| Treatment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Laparoscopy | A minimally invasive surgical procedure involving small incisions and the use of a laparoscope to remove the cyst. |
| Laparotomy | A surgical procedure involving a larger incision and a traditional open approach, suitable for large or potentially cancerous cysts. |
| Stem Cell Therapy | An experimental treatment option that explores the use of stem cells for ovarian cyst treatment. |
Conclusion
Ovarian cysts are common and often go away without treatment. But, if they cause problems or get bigger, surgery may be needed. It’s key to keep an eye on them and see a doctor if you have bad belly pain, bleed a lot, or feel really sick.
Getting diagnosed and treated early is important for managing ovarian cysts. Doctors use check-ups, ultrasounds, and blood tests to look for cysts. By being proactive, any issues can be sorted out quickly, reducing the chances of more serious problems.
Right now, surgery is the main way to treat ovarian cysts. But in the future, treatments like stem cell therapy might become more common. This new method could help fix the harm to the ovaries caused by cysts, offering a fresh way to treat them.