Ovarian Cysts 101 - Essential Facts That You Should Know
Marc Sandford
November 27, 2008
Ovarian cysts are blisters or sacs that contain a liquid or a liquid-solid mix. They can grow either in the interior or on the outer surface of an ovary. Although cysts may bleed, burst or cause intense pain that demands surgery, most are harmless and will normally disappear on their own.
Ovarian cysts have a large variety of types and they can occur in a large range of sizes. Most are about the size of a pea but in some rare occasions they are known to reach over a hundred pounds in weight and measure 40 inches in diameter. Ovarian cysts can display a broad range of symptoms, from no symptoms at all to severe and crippling pain. There are many causes of ovarian cysts, however, the majority are a result of the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cysts commonly affect women in their reproductive years, but can still happen to women of any age. Roughly fifteen percent of all cases of ovarian cysts occur in post menopausal women. Ovarian cysts during menopause are a more serious matter since women in this age group are more likely to have malignant cysts.
Most ovarian cysts are a benign form called functional cysts because they occur as the result of normal cyclic processes within the ovaries. There are other types of benign cysts including cystadenoma cysts, endometrial cysts, and dermoid cysts.
Normally, ovarian cysts are first discovered during a routine pelvic exam. Upon discovery of a cyst, a plan of treatment is then determined on the basis of test results. Ultrasound may be used to determine a cyst's location, shape and size.
The ultrasound will also yield information about whether the cyst is solid, fluid filled or a combination of both fluid and solid. Hormone testing may be done to check for hormone related conditions. A blood test is commonly employed to check for cancerous cysts.
You must have a diagnosis from your doctor to know for sure if you have ovarian cysts. Sometimes women with no apparent symptoms find out that they have cysts after a checkup. Others might discover that they're suffering from a totally different problem even though they have painful abdominal symptoms that closely resemble those of cysts.
The type of cyst as well as its characteristics will determine its most appropriate treatment. A cyst that's small and painless, will require little if any treatment at all. Birth control pills are sometimes used to repress ovarian cysts by stopping ovulation. They also have the effect of shrinking down the size of existing cysts.
The biggest question on the minds of most women with ovarian cysts is whether they are malignant. However, malignant cysts aren't the only type to be concerned about. Even benign ovarian cysts may pose serious health risks if they rupture, twist, grow larger, or continue to multiply. This is why they must be monitored by your doctor on a regular basis. Self diagnosis on the basis of your own personal research without a doctor's diagnosis is dangerous and should never be done.
Looking for the facts about ovarian cysts and PCOS? Learn about complex ovarian cysts and ovarian cysts natural treatment.
Ovarian cysts have a large variety of types and they can occur in a large range of sizes. Most are about the size of a pea but in some rare occasions they are known to reach over a hundred pounds in weight and measure 40 inches in diameter. Ovarian cysts can display a broad range of symptoms, from no symptoms at all to severe and crippling pain. There are many causes of ovarian cysts, however, the majority are a result of the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cysts commonly affect women in their reproductive years, but can still happen to women of any age. Roughly fifteen percent of all cases of ovarian cysts occur in post menopausal women. Ovarian cysts during menopause are a more serious matter since women in this age group are more likely to have malignant cysts.
Most ovarian cysts are a benign form called functional cysts because they occur as the result of normal cyclic processes within the ovaries. There are other types of benign cysts including cystadenoma cysts, endometrial cysts, and dermoid cysts.
Normally, ovarian cysts are first discovered during a routine pelvic exam. Upon discovery of a cyst, a plan of treatment is then determined on the basis of test results. Ultrasound may be used to determine a cyst's location, shape and size.
The ultrasound will also yield information about whether the cyst is solid, fluid filled or a combination of both fluid and solid. Hormone testing may be done to check for hormone related conditions. A blood test is commonly employed to check for cancerous cysts.
You must have a diagnosis from your doctor to know for sure if you have ovarian cysts. Sometimes women with no apparent symptoms find out that they have cysts after a checkup. Others might discover that they're suffering from a totally different problem even though they have painful abdominal symptoms that closely resemble those of cysts.
The type of cyst as well as its characteristics will determine its most appropriate treatment. A cyst that's small and painless, will require little if any treatment at all. Birth control pills are sometimes used to repress ovarian cysts by stopping ovulation. They also have the effect of shrinking down the size of existing cysts.
The biggest question on the minds of most women with ovarian cysts is whether they are malignant. However, malignant cysts aren't the only type to be concerned about. Even benign ovarian cysts may pose serious health risks if they rupture, twist, grow larger, or continue to multiply. This is why they must be monitored by your doctor on a regular basis. Self diagnosis on the basis of your own personal research without a doctor's diagnosis is dangerous and should never be done.
Looking for the facts about ovarian cysts and PCOS? Learn about complex ovarian cysts and ovarian cysts natural treatment.
Print
Email
