All You Need To Know
Ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs on or within the ovaries, are common among women and are typically discovered during routine pelvic exams. While most ovarian cysts are painless and resolve themselves, understanding their types and treatments is crucial. This article explores functional and pathological cysts, symptoms, diagnosis methods, and treatment options, highlighting ovarian cyst treatment in London.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
- Functional Cysts
Most common and harmless functional cysts result from the normal menstrual cycle. They include two types: follicle cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
- Follicle Cysts
Develop when the follicle, where the egg grows, fails to release the egg, forming a cyst.
- Corpus Luteum Cysts
Form if the follicle sac seals, leading to excess fluid accumulation.
- Pathological Cysts
Less common and linked to abnormal cell growth, including dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, and endometriomas.
- Dermoid Cysts
Comprise tissues like hair, skin, or teeth and require surgical removal.
- Cystadenomas
Recommend surgical removal if the cysts develop from outer ovary cells and grow large.
- Endometriomas
Result from endometriosis, causing cysts on the ovaries, often called “chocolate cysts.”
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
Ovarian cysts are usually asymptomatic. But in some cases, symptoms may include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Abdominal swelling
- Difficulty urinating
- Irregular periods
- Fatigue
- Difficulty emptying bowels
- Bloating
- Difficulty conceiving
Diagnosis Methods
Private Gynaecologists in London often discover ovarian cysts during routine pelvic exams or ultrasounds. Diagnosis methods include:
Confirms cyst presence, identifies location, and assesses consistency. Monitor continuously or immediately referral to a specialist based on findings.
- CT or MRI Scans
Specialists employ this if ultrasound results are inconclusive. It offers more detailed images for a more accurate diagnosis.
- CA125 Blood Test
It will assess CA125 protein levels to identify ovarian cancer. Elevated levels can occur in non-cancerous conditions.
The majority of ovarian cysts are diagnosed through routine gynaecological examinations that employ ultrasound. In contrast, abdominal surgery performed for other purposes can sometimes reveal the presence of an ovarian cyst. To further assess the cyst’s nature, your doctor might suggest additional tests, such as a blood test to evaluate tumour markers or hormonal levels.
Another option is a Doppler ultrasound, similar to the routine ultrasound but offers a more detailed visualisation of the blood vessels supplying the cyst.
Treatment Options
Functional cysts typically resolve without specific treatment since they tend to vanish in subsequent cycles. Your doctor may conduct a follow-up ultrasound within 3-6 months to confirm its disappearance.
Treatment depends on cyst characteristics, symptoms, and menopausal status:
- Watchful Waiting
We recommend watchful waiting for small, asymptomatic cysts. It involves monitoring through periodic ultrasound scans.
- Contraceptive Pills
Inhibit ovulation and prevent new cyst formation. Although contraceptive pills won’t make the cyst vanish, they can help control the emergence of new cysts.
- Surgery
Advisable for large, persistent, or potentially cancerous cysts. Specialists prefer laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) for minimal invasiveness and laparotomy (larger incision) for huge cysts or suspected malignancies.
If the ovarian cyst continues to develop, regular assessments (every 6-12 months) will help monitor the growth. If it remains stable, exhibits benign characteristics, and does not cause any symptoms, treatment may not be necessary, given the low risk of malignancy associated with simple benign cysts.
Surgery becomes the only treatment option if the characteristics are not benign or face rapid-growth scenarios.
FAQs
Q1) Do ovarian cysts always need removal?
Not necessarily; functional cysts may resolve on their own. Surgery is an option if the condition becomes persistent or symptomatic.
Q2) Will I lose my ovary?
Depending on the findings during surgery, only the cyst or the entire ovary is removed based on necessity.
Q3) How can I prevent recurrent ovarian cysts?
Contraceptive pills may help reduce the formation of cysts to some degree.
Q4) What are the follow-up procedures after removal?
Gynaecologists recommend yearly pelvic ultrasound scans for those concerned about recurrent cysts.
Q5) How can I determine if I have an ovarian cyst?
There might be no signs of a cyst unless it ruptures or grows significantly in size. Occasionally, ovarian cysts may resolve on their own. If you notice any symptoms, consult a doctor for a thorough examination and an accurate diagnosis.
My Final Verdict
Learning and updating medical insights on different types of ovarian cysts, recognising their symptoms, and exploring available treatment options are quintessential for maintaining women’s health. Effectively managing the impact of ovarian cysts involves timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include watchful waiting, contraceptive pills, or surgery. If you’re experiencing symptoms or would like to enquire about ovarian cyst treatment in London, seeking professional medical advice is crucial for personalised care.
