Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that grow on or in the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are noncancerous and not harmful, but a cyst may sometimes become cancerous. Cancerous cysts are more likely to develop in women over the age of 40.


What are the types?

There are many types of ovarian cyst. The most common type is a follicular cyst, in which one of the follicles, where eggs develop, grows and fills with fluid. This type of ovarian cyst may grow to 5 cm (2 in) in diameter and usually occurs singly. Multiple small cysts that develop in the ovaries are thought to be caused by a hormonal disorder, and this condition is known as polycystic ovary syndrome.

Less commonly, cysts may form in the corpus luteum, the yellow tissue that develops from a follicle after the release of an egg. These cysts fill with blood and can grow to 3 cm.

A dermoid cyst is a cyst that contains cells that are normally found elsewhere in the body, such as skin and hair cells. A cystadenoma is a cyst that grows from one type of cell in the ovary. In rare cases, a single cystadenoma can fill the entire abdominal cavity.

What are the symptoms?

Most ovarian cysts do not cause symptoms, but when there are symptoms, they may include:

- Discomfort in the abdomen.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Irregular periods, which sometimes have heavy blood loss.
- Postmenopausal bleeding.

Large cysts can put pressure on the bladder, leading to urinary retention or a frequent need to pass urine.

Are there complications?

If an ovarian cyst ruptures or becomes twisted, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever may develop. Cysts may grow so large that the abdomen is distended. In rare cases, a cyst producing the sex hormone oestrogen may develop before puberty, which leads to early sexual development. Some ovarian produce male sex hormones, which can cause the development of male characteristics, such as growth of facial hair.

What might be done?

Sometimes, ovarian cysts are only discovered when a pelvic examination is carried out during a routine checkup. If you have symptoms of a cyst, your doctor will perform a pelvic examination.

You may also be sent for ultrasound scanning or for a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and the size and position of the cyst. You may also have blood tests to see if a cyst is cancerous.

Ovarian cysts may disappear without treatment, although the size of a cyst may be monitored with regular ultrasound scans. Large or persistent cysts may be drained or removed. If there is a chance that the cyst is cancerous, it will be removed, leaving the ovary and fallopian tube if possible. Ovarian cysts may recur if the ovary is not removed.