Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries and are extremely common in women of reproductive age. Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts that develop as a normal part of the menstrual cycle and resolve spontaneously without treatment. The two main types of functional cysts are follicular cysts, which form when a follicle fails to release its egg, and corpus luteum cysts, which develop when the corpus luteum fails to shrink after ovulation. These cysts typically disappear within one to three menstrual cycles.

Many ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during routine pelvic examinations or imaging studies performed for other reasons. However, larger cysts or certain types may cause symptoms including pelvic pain, bloating, pressure in the lower abdomen, or changes in menstrual patterns. Sudden severe pain may indicate cyst rupture or ovarian torsion, both of which require immediate medical attention. Pain during sexual intercourse or bowel movements may also be associated with ovarian cysts.

Other types of ovarian cysts include dermoid cysts (teratomas), which contain various tissue types and are usually benign, endometriomas associated with endometriosis, and cystadenomas, which can grow quite large. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) involves multiple small cysts but is actually a hormonal disorder rather than a condition primarily caused by the cysts themselves. The risk of malignancy in ovarian cysts is low, especially in premenopausal women, but increases with age.

Diagnosis of ovarian cysts typically involves pelvic examination and imaging studies, most commonly transvaginal ultrasound. Blood tests may be performed to check hormone levels or tumor markers, particularly in postmenopausal women. Management depends on factors such as cyst size, appearance, symptoms, and patient age. Small, simple cysts in premenopausal women are often monitored with serial ultrasounds, while larger cysts, complex cysts, or those causing significant symptoms may require surgical removal. Laparoscopic surgery is often preferred when surgery is necessary, as it offers faster recovery and smaller incisions compared to open surgery.