A cyst is a fluid-filled mass surrounded by tissue called the cyst wall. Cysts can develop in all tissues of the body, but cysts in organs other than the ovaries tend to show symptoms more quickly. This is because cysts in other organs can disrupt their functions. In the case of ovarian cysts, such disruptions are usually not observed.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts:
The most common cause of ovarian cysts is hormonal imbalances. Normally, during each menstrual cycle, a cyst called a follicle forms inside the ovaries, which can reach a size of up to 3 cm. Then, this cyst ruptures, releasing an egg. If the egg is fertilized by sperm, pregnancy occurs, and if not, it is expelled from the body as menstruation about two weeks later. However, if a woman has hormonal imbalances, some cysts may not rupture and can continue to grow, transforming into a follicular cyst.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts:
Ovarian cysts often do not cause any complaints because the ovaries are not in direct contact with other organs. They are typically detected during routine check-ups. Pain is rare. In rare cases, severe pain may occur if cysts twist on themselves (torsion) or rupture. The most common symptoms of ovarian cysts include:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Abdominal bloating
Digestive system complaints
Urinary tract complaints
Types of Ovarian Cysts:
- Inclusion Cyst: It is a non-functional cyst, often microscopic in size. It does not show any symptoms and cannot be detected on ultrasound. Some researchers argue that these small cysts may be precursors to malignant (cancerous) ovarian tumors in the long term.
- Follicular Cyst: This is the most common type of ovarian cyst in young women. They usually do not produce symptoms but can occasionally cause menstrual irregularities. They occur when a developing egg fails to rupture and continues to grow. Their size is typically 2-3 centimeters, and they do not require treatment. They do not lead to any complications and can sometimes be managed with birth control pills.
- Corpus Luteum Cyst: After ovulation, the tissue that results from the released egg is called the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone until the placenta takes over during pregnancy. Sometimes, this tissue can form a cyst, known as the corpus luteum cyst. It is generally around 3-4 cm in size and can lead to menstrual irregularities due to hormone secretion. It does not require treatment unless complications arise, and it typically resolves on its own.
- Theca-Lutein Cyst: These cysts are typically seen in individuals receiving fertility treatment and can occur bilaterally (in both ovaries). Bed rest and monitoring are required for treatment.
- Pregnancy Luteoma: These cysts are seen during pregnancy and can grow up to about 20 cm in size. They typically resolve after pregnancy.
Ovarian cysts are benign (noncancerous) in about 80-85% of cases and are most commonly observed in women aged 20-44. If the cause of their formation is hormonal imbalance, they can lead to infertility.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cysts:
The diagnosis of ovarian cysts is made through examination and ultrasound. If there is suspicion of cancer, further radiological tests may be requested.
Treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the type of cyst:
- Simple cysts are often monitored, and birth control pills may be used to promote shrinkage. Antibiotic treatment is used for inflammatory cysts.
- Cysts larger than 8-10 cm or those that continuously grow and have a high probability of being malignant are typically removed through surgery.
Please note that the content provided is for informational purposes only, and you should consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Content Update Date : 26.12.2022