These are closed, sac like structures within the ovary that are filled with a liquid / semi-solid structure. A cyst is merely a general term used for a fluid-filled structure which may or may not represent a tumor or new growth.
CAUSES
Ovarian cysts form for numerous reasons. The most common type is a follicular cyst, which results from the growth of a follicle. A follicle is the normal fluid-filled sac that contains an egg. Follicular cysts form when the follicle grows larger than normal during the menstrual cycle and does not open to release the egg. Usually follicular cysts resolve spontaneously over the course of days to months. they can contain blood from leakage of blood into the egg sac.
Another type of ovarian cyst is a corpus luteum cysts. The corpus luteum is an area of tissue within the ovary that occurs after an egg has been released from the follicle. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum usually breaks down and disappears. It may fill with fluid or blood and persist as a cyst on the ovary. This cyst is usually found on only one side, produces no symptoms and resolves spontaneously.
infections of the pelvic organs can involve the ovaries and fallopian tubes. In severe cases, pus filled cystic spaces may be present on, in or around the ovary or tubes. These are known as tubo-ovarian abscesses. Other types of cysts includes dermoid cysts.
Most ovarian cysts are never noticed and heal without women ever realizing that they are there. When a cyst causes symptoms, pain in the abdomen or pelvis is the most common one. The pain can be caused from rupture of the cyst, bleeding into the cyst, rapid growth and stretching or twisting of the cyst around its blood supply. If a cyst has reached a large size, other symptoms may arise as a result of pressure or distortion of adjacent anatomical structures. They include bloating, indigestion, abdominal fullness, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, urinary urgency or pain with sexual intercourse.
DIAGNOSIS
sometimes ovarian cysts may be noticed by a doctor during bimanual examination of the pelvis. If a cyst is suspected based upon symptoms or physical examination, imaging techniques are used. Most cysts are diagnosed by ultrasound. Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of structures within the body, it is painless and harmless. Cysts can also be detected using other imaging methods such as CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
TREATMENT
Oral contraceptives or birth control pills are very helpful to regulate the menstrual cycle, prevent the formation of follicles that can turn into cysts and also reduces the size of an existing cyst. Pain relievers or anti- inflammatory medication such as napacod may help reduce pelvic pain caused by ovarian cysts. Ultrasonic observation or endovaginal ultrasound are used to monitor the growth of the cyst. An ovarian cyst may twist and cause severe abdominal pain as well as nausea and vomiting. this is an emergency where surgery is necessary to correct it.
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