Ovarian cysts are cysts that form in or on an ovary. They’re fairly common, and they usually present little to no discomfort. However, if they rupture, they can cause debilitating pain. It’s important to get frequent pelvic exams to make sure that you’re in good health. An ovarian cyst specialist at NCCRM can help with making sure your ovaries and other reproductive organs are healthy. They can be annoying and very painful to deal with, but we have some information that could help you treat them or manage your symptoms.
Main Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Cysts can arise due to your menstrual cycle. Ovaries typically grow follicles (cyst-like structures) each month. They produce female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. If it keeps growing, it becomes what’s known as a functional cyst. One kind of functional cyst is a follicular cyst. These can occur when the follicle doesn’t release its egg or rupture during ovulation and instead continues to grow. The second kind of functional cyst is called corpus luteum cysts. Once the follicle ruptures, it’s called corpus luteum. Sometimes fluid gathers in the follicle and grows into a cyst. Neither follicular nor corpus luteum cysts last very long; they rarely cause pain.
Cysts that can cause problems with your other reproductive organs are called dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, or endometriomas. Dermoid cysts usually contain tissues such as hair, skin, or teeth because they contain embryonic cells. Cystadenomas are usually filled with watery or mucous material and can form on the surface of an ovary. Endometriomas can result from a condition where endometrial cells grow on the outside of the uterus. Some of the tissue can result in a cyst on the ovaries. For more information, contact NCCRM to speak with an ovarian cyst specialist.
Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis and Treatment
You can usually tell you have an ovarian cyst by one of the following:
- Pregnancy test
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Laparoscopy
- CA 125 blood test
Treatments can vary from symptom management to surgery. Some treatments are also as simple as waiting to make sure the cyst doesn’t cause any future problems. In this case, your doctor will most likely recommend that you get follow-up exams to see if your cyst has changed sizes. Medication can also be used to control hormones and keep new cysts from growing. However, birth control won’t shrink an existing cyst. At NCCRM, we offer many services including surgeries, medication, and exams that can help us take the next steps.
Surgery is also a viable option for cysts that are large, growing, or causing pain. Cysts can be removed without taking the whole ovary, but sometimes it’s dangerous to leave the ovary. Some cysts can be cancerous, which could result in a total hysterectomy, chemotherapy, or radiation. A laparoscopic cystectomy is the removal of an ovarian cyst through an incision. Laparoscopy is a method during which a small, lighted telescope is inserted into an incision. Then, through another small incision, the cyst is removed. It is minimally invasive and will require little downtime.
NCCRM offers many GYN procedures to help with the treatment of ovarian cysts. You can schedule a consultation or request an appointment with an ovarian cyst specialist today.
