Ovarian Cyst: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Management

Medically Reviewed by Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS

Introduction

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that occurs on or inside the ovary. It is a functional cyst that occurs throughout your monthly menstrual cycle. Cysts produced by cancer or other disorders are not the same as functional cysts. The creation of these cysts is completely normal and indicates that the ovaries are functioning properly.

Let’s see the frequently asked questions: What exactly is an ovarian cyst? What are the causes of ovarian cysts? What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts? What are the types of ovarian cysts? Ovarian cysts may cause difficulties, such as: How is an ovarian cyst identified? Treatment for ovarian cysts?

In This Article

What exactly is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a sac that grows on or within one or both of your ovaries and is filled with fluid or semisolid substances.

The ovaries are tiny glands in your pelvis that contain egg cells and produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
There are several forms of ovarian cysts, the vast majority of which are painless and harmless (benign).
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled lumps, whereas ovarian tumors are solid masses.
Most ovarian cysts are not hazardous, do not produce symptoms, and do not increase the chance of developing ovarian cancer in the future, although certain complicated ovarian cysts may do so.
Ovarian cysts are more prevalent in menstruating women and less common in postmenopausal women. Around 8% of premenopausal women have big ovarian cysts that necessitate treatment.
Ovarian cyst symptoms are unusual until the cyst twists or ruptures, or if it grows large enough for a woman to feel. While many ovarian cysts pass with a woman's monthly cycle or disappear without treatment, some may necessitate surgery to eliminate them.
While ovarian cyst symptoms are unusual, they might include stomach pain or aching, bloating, pain during intercourse, monthly abnormalities, and, in ovarian cysts, more rarely, frequent urination.
In addition to ovarian cysts, abnormal facial and body hair growth may arise owing to an increase in the production of male hormones known as androgens.
In rare situations, severe stomach discomfort, fever, and nausea may suggest that a cyst has twisted or ruptured, necessitating quick medical treatment and maybe emergency surgery.
Regular pelvic checks and communicating with your provider about any symptoms you may be having can help prevent cyst concerns.

What are the causes of ovarian cysts?

The most common causes of ovarian cysts are:

Ovulation: Your ovaries generally create little cyst-like structures called follicles in the early stages of every menstrual cycle; when you ovulate, an egg is released from one of these follicles. A 'functional cyst' develops when a normal follicle continues to expand. This form of cyst normally goes away after two or three cycles.
Hormonal issues: Functional cysts normally disappear on their own and are caused by hormonal imbalances or medicines that stimulate ovulation.
Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a disorder in which the lining of the uterus (womb) develops outside of the uterus. Endometriosis tissue can connect to the ovary and produce an endometrioma, which is a type of ovarian cyst. These cysts can be uncomfortable during your period as well as during intercourse.
Infections in the pelvis that are severe can travel to the Fallopian tubes and ovaries, resulting in cyst formation.
Pregnancy: An ovarian cyst often develops in early pregnancy until the placenta grows to sustain the fetus. The cyst may persist on the ovary later in the pregnancy and must be removed.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is one of the primary reasons for infertility in women and causes several tiny cysts on their ovaries.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts are:

Ovarian cyst symptoms may include:

Menstrual cycle changes unusual vaginal bleeding
Pelvic ache
A dull soreness in the lower back and thighs immediately before or after menstruation.
Pelvic or abdominal discomfort during sex
Pain while passing a stool, strain on the intestines, or frequent bowel movements
Problems urinating frequently or completely emptying the bladder
Unexpected weight gain
Breast sensitivity
Stomach bloating or edema after eating less than usual
Nausea and vomiting

What are the types of ovarian cysts?

There are two types of ovarian cysts.

Functional cysts:

Cyst of the follicle.

Each month, an ovary produces an egg during a typical menstrual cycle. The egg develops within a small sac known as a follicle. When the egg develops, the follicle ruptures, releasing the egg.
Follicle cysts arise when the follicle fails to rupture and release the egg. This causes the follicle to develop into a cyst. Follicle cysts frequently cause no symptoms and disappear in one to three months.

Cysts of the corpus luteum

The empty follicular sac shrinks into a clump of cells termed the corpus luteum when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg. The corpus luteum produces hormones to prepare for the next egg in the following menstrual cycle.
Cysts develop in the corpus luteum if the sac does not shrink. Instead, when the egg is released, the sac reseals itself, and fluid accumulates inside
Most corpus luteum cysts resolve within a few weeks. They can, however, grow to be nearly four inches wide They may also hemorrhage or distort the ovary, causing discomfort.
Some ovulation-inducing medications might increase the chance of developing these cysts.

Pathological cysts:

Endometriomas are caused by endometriosis, which occurs when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the womb. It may cause discomfort during menstruation and intercourse
Dermoid cysts: These normally form from cells that are present at birth. They can develop in any organ, including the ovaries.
Cystadenomas are cysts filled with watery fluid.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome: This is characterized by the formation of a large number of tiny cells. It can cause discomfort and infertility issues, and it is linked to other health issues.
Ovarian cancer is characterized by malignant cysts. These cysts are uncommon, but a doctor would normally monitor any sort of cyst to see whether it was malignant.

Ovarian cysts may cause difficulties, such as

Complications caused by ovarian cysts are:

The cyst is cancerous. After-menopause ovarian cysts are more likely to be malignant than cysts that originate before menopause.
Ovarian cyst ruptures Functional cysts frequently explode without presenting any symptoms. A burst cyst, on the other hand, can cause considerable discomfort and swelling in your abdomen. The larger it is, the more likely it is to break.
Torsion of the ovaries Cysts can develop so large that they deform the curvature of your ovary, increasing the chances of it twisting. Twisting might cut off blood flow to your ovary, causing it to die. Ovarian torsion is characterized by severe discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.

How is an ovarian cyst identified?

A cyst on your ovary can be discovered during a pelvic exam or through imaging tests such as a pelvic ultrasound. Depending on the size of the cyst and whether it is filled with fluid or solid material, your doctor will most likely propose tests to establish its nature and whether you require treatment.

Diagnosis tests are:

1. Pregnancy test. A positive test may indicate the presence of a corpus luteum cyst.
2. Ultrasound of the cervix. A wand-like instrument (transducer) transmits and receives high-frequency sound waves to generate an image of your uterus and ovaries on a video screen (ultrasound). The imaging is used to confirm the presence of a cyst, locate it, and establish whether it is solid or fluid-filled.
3. Laparoscopy. Through a small cut (incision), a thin, illuminated tool (laparoscope) is placed into your belly. Your physician can see your ovaries and any cysts with the laparoscope. If a cyst is discovered, it is normally treated during the same process. This is a surgical technique that necessitates the use of anesthesia
4. Tests for tumor markers. In ovarian cancer, blood levels of a protein known as a cancer antigen are frequently high. If your cyst is solid and you have a high risk of ovarian cancer, your doctor may request a cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) test or additional blood tests. Noncancerous diseases such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease can also cause an increase in CA125 levels.

What is the treatment for ovarian cysts?

1. Medicine. Birth control tablets and other hormonal contraceptives prevent you from ovulating. This may prevent the formation of new ovarian cysts. Birth control drugs, on the other hand, will not diminish an existing cyst.
2. Surgery. Your doctor may advise you to have a cyst removed if it is big, does not appear to be a functioning cyst, is expanding, or causes discomfort. Some cysts can be removed (cystectomy) without removing the ovary. In certain circumstances, the cystic ovary is removed (oophorectomy).

Surgery can be performed in two ways:

Laparoscopy is a kind of surgery. The doctor uses this operation to check inside your pelvic area and remove the cyst by making a very small cut above or below your belly button. This is frequently indicated for smaller cysts that appear benign (non-cancerous) on ultrasonography.
Laparotomy is a surgical procedure. If the cyst is huge and potentially malignant, your doctor may recommend this procedure. To remove the cyst, a wider incision in the abdomen is made. The cyst is then examined for signs of malignancy. If it is malignant, it is preferable to consult a gynecologic oncologist, who may need to remove the ovary as well as other tissues, such as the uterus.

Can we prevent ovarian cysts?

Taking hormone-containing drugs (such as birth control tablets) will prevent ovulation. According to certain research, the tablet lowers the recurrence of some cysts.
Ovarian cysts are usually innocuous enough that prophylaxis is unnecessary. Instead, make a note of any symptoms that may indicate a cyst and notify your clinician.
Schedule frequent pelvic examinations so that your doctor can detect any cysts that need to be treated.

Summary

Ovarian cysts are frequent, have no symptoms, and disappear on their own. However, certain cysts can become big, burst, or distort the ovaries, causing discomfort and perhaps bleeding. Some develop cancer over time. Anyone experiencing significant stomach discomfort and bleeding should seek immediate medical attention since this might suggest an ovarian cyst that requires treatment.