| Ovarian Cysts
The ovaries produce the
eggs in the female reproductive system. Eggs grow,
develop, and mature in the ovaries and then are
released during ovulation, part of the monthly
menstrual cycle that occurs during the childbearing
years. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that
form on the ovaries when the follicles (sacs)
on the ovary that contain the egg mature, but
do not release the egg into the fallopian tube
where it would be fertilized. A woman can develop
one cyst or many cysts. Ovarian cysts can vary
in size-from as small as a pea to as big as a
grapefruit. Most cysts are small and do not cause
symptoms. Some cysts might cause a dull ache in
the abdomen because they are twisted, bleeding,
or have burst; others might cause pain during
sexual intercourse. Most cysts are benign (not
cancerous). A few cysts, though, may turn out
to be malignant (cancerous). For this reason,
your doctor should check all cysts. If ovarian
cysts are found early, many of the problems they
cause can be treated.
There are different types
of ovarian cysts: Functional
cysts
These cysts are completely normal
and form during ovulation. The follicles (sacs)
on the ovary that contain the egg often do not
mature, and become cysts. These cysts usually
disappear during menstruation, before another
menstrual cycle begins. If not, they will shrink
in about one to three months. Your doctor may
want to check in a few months to make sure the
cyst has gotten smaller. Only women who are
ovulating form functional cysts. If you are
in menopause or past menopause and not having
periods, you should not have functional cysts.
Endometriomas
These cysts develop in women who have
endometriosis, a condition in which tissue from
the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows
in other areas, such as on the fallopian tubes,
the ovaries, and on other organs outside of
the uterus in the stomach. These may be filled
with a thick, brown blood and so also are called
"chocolate cysts." Because uterine
tissue is sensitive to hormones, it bleeds monthly,
which may cause it to form a growing cyst on
the ovary. These cysts can be painful during
sexual intercourse and during menstruation.
Benign
cystic tumors (cystadenomas)
These
tumors are non-cancerous and are often filled
with a fatty liquid. They develop from cells
on the outer surface of the ovary. Some of these
tumors, called dermoid cysts, are lined with
structures such as hair, or pieces of bone.
They are often small and may not cause symptoms.
They can, however, become large and uncomfortable.
Multiple Cysts
Women who do
not ovulate regularly can develop multiple cysts.
This is a disorder in which the ovaries are
enlarged and contain many small cysts. This
can be caused by a condition called polycystic
ovary syndrome (PCOS). Symptoms of PCOS include
irregular menstrual periods, infertility, and
increased body hair.
|
