ENLmedical.com: Conditions And Concerns: Medical Encyclopedia: Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts

Causes and Risks:
Typically, ovarian cysts are functional (not disease-related) and disappear on their own. During ovulation, a follicle grows but fails to rupture and release an egg. Instead of being reabsorbed, the fluid within the follicle persists and forms a cyst . Cysts usually disappear within 60 days without treatment. Functional ovarian cysts are relatively common. They occur most often during childbearing years (puberty to menopause ) but may occur at any time. No known risk factors have been identified.

Functional ovarian cysts are not to be confused with other pathological conditions involving cystic ovaries, specifically polycystic ovarian disease or true ovarian neoplasms ( ovarian cancer ).

Prevention:
There is no known way to prevent functional ovarian cysts.

Symptoms:

abnormal uterine bleeding (change from normal menstrual pattern)
- lengthened menstrual cycle (or)
- shortened menstrual cycle (or)
- menstruation, absent
- irregular menstruation
pelvic pain, constant, dull aching
pain with intercourse or pelvic pain during movement
pelvic pain shortly after beginning (onset) or ending (cessation) of menses
nausea/vomiting or breast tenderness , like that associated with pregnancy

Prolonged symptoms which may be associated with polycystic ovarian disease include:

abnormally light or lack of menstrual periods
infertility
obesity
abdomen, swollen
abdominal mass
hirsutism (increased growth of body hair, distributed in a "male pattern")

Note: Often no symptoms are noted.

Signs and Tests:
A pelvic examination may reveal an ovarian enlargement or a mass.

A serum HCG ( pregnancy test ) may be done to rule out pregnancy .

Hormonal level tests may be ordered:

Ultrasound can detect the cyst (s).

Laparoscopy may be necessary if a cyst is revealed that is larger than 6 cm. or that persists for longer than 6 weeks.

Treatment:
Functional ovarian cysts typically disappear within 60 days without any treatment. Oral contraceptives may be prescribed to help establish normal cycles.

Prognosis:
Functional ovarian cysts usually disappear without any residual problems.

Complications:
Any ovarian cyst that enlarges or persists longer than 60 days is probably not a functional cyst . A laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy may be done to rule out other conditions.

Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst (to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms).

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if an ovarian cyst persists longer than 60 days.

This is an illustration of the female reproductive system. Both internal and external views are shown here.