What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is usually a collection of fluid or blood within the ovaries. Infrequently, tissue structures like hair, skin or even bone can also be found within an ovarian cyst.
obstetrician & gynaecologist from Gleneagles Hospital, most fluid and small blood ovarian cysts disappear without treatment, and only a few large ovarian cysts require surgery (cystectomy) to prevent them from becoming a threat to one’s health and fertility.
A large cyst can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, more frequent need to urinate, abnormal menstruation that is heavier or lighter เล่น UFABET ผ่านมือถือ สะดวกทุกที่ ทุกเวลา than usual, or bloating, among others.
Types of ovarian cysts
There are many types of cysts and these are broadly classified based on what is found within the cyst.
Water or simple cysts
These are cysts that form every month during ovulation, hence they are known as functional cysts. They are usually detected during an ultrasound screen before the menstrual period. If a pregnancy happens, they get enlarged to support the early phase of the pregnancy. Otherwise, such cysts will disappear after the menstrual period. These cysts usually range between 2 – 3cm, but can grow up to 6 – 7cm and cause a temporary pelvic pain.
Blood or chocolate cysts
These are common in women with painful menstruation, or endometriosis. They can also occur with normal ovulation. If the blood cyst is caused by endometriosis, they are more likely to persist and can get bigger with time, causing more pain and affecting fertility. Should this occur, surgery will be needed.
It is advisable to keep a close eye on such cysts in older patients as there is a very small risk of progression to cancer.
Solid cysts
These are cysts that contain tissue like hair, skin and bone. They are benign in most cases, and can get larger with time. In a small percentage of solid cysts, there may be immature tissue structures or cancer within. Surgery will then be needed for cyst removal and to confirm the diagnosis.
Apart from classifying ovarian cysts based on its content, a cyst can also be classified as simple or complex based on specific ultrasound features. Simple cysts are usually clear-looking while complex cysts have irregular shadows, multiple compartments or abnormal blood flow within.
Do I need ovarian cyst surgery (cystectomy)?
Large cysts
Surgery is recommended when the cyst is larger than 5cm, causes symptoms like pain or bloating, pressure on the bladder or bowel, or if it affects fertility.
Small cysts
For cysts smaller than 4cm, especially those with only water as its content, your doctor may recommend a wait-and-see approach, with a repeat ultrasound in 2 – 3 months to check if it has progressed. Often such cysts disappear after one to two menstrual periods.
Solid cysts
With solid cysts, surgery need as they generally. Do not go away and a confirmed diagnosis can only be obtained after surgical removal. Solid cysts can be removed with keyhole surgery. If cancer is not suspected, base on results from the ultrasound features and blood tests. However, if the cysts are large or have many suspicious and complex ultrasound features, then open surgery to prevent spillage or spread of the cancer cells is advisable.