Ovarian Cyst Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Ovarian cyst form in the ovaries. Under normal conditions, every woman has two ovaries or ovaries on the right and left sides of the uterus. The ovary functions to produce egg cells which are released each month into the uterus.
In fact, almost every woman has had an ovarian cyst in her life. If the size is small, the formation of ovarian cysts does not cause symptoms, so they are often not recognized. Such a cyst will disappear by itself within a few menstrual cycles.
Another case with a large cyst. This type of cyst requires special treatment because it causes discomfort to the sufferer.
A woman is at higher risk of developing ovarian cysts in the future if she has any of the following factors:
- Hormonal imbalance
Both his own hormones and when he was on hormone therapy.
- Pregnancy
Ovarian cysts can occur if the release of egg cells continues even though a woman is pregnant.
- endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the uterine lining forms outside the uterus itself. When this lining forms on the ovaries or ovaries, the cells stick together and develop into cysts.
- Infection in the pelvic cavity
A woman who has a history of pelvic infection is at risk of developing ovarian cysts in the future.
- Prior history of ovarian cysts
Symptom
Most ovarian cysts do not cause significant complaints for sufferers and will disappear by themselves. However, in large cysts complaints can occur:
- Pain in the pelvic cavity
- Full feeling in the stomach
- Bloating
- Swollen belly
Reason
Most ovarian cysts are formed due to the influence of monthly menstrual cycle hormones. Inside the ovary, there is a structure that looks like a cyst, namely the follicle. These follicles contain eggs that mature and burst each month.
Cysts can form from any of these follicles:
- Follicular cyst
Normally, one follicle ruptures every month and releases an egg that is ready to be fertilized. If these follicles do not burst and continue to grow, these follicles can form cysts called follicular cysts.
- Corpus luteum cyst
A follicle that has burst and no longer contains an egg is called a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum functions to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone to prepare for pregnancy. Occasionally, the corpus luteum fills with water and develops into a cyst. This cyst is called a corpus luteum cyst.
These two types of functional cysts are generally harmless and will go away on their own after several menstrual cycles.
Several other types of cysts are not related to the menstrual cycle. This type of cyst is less common than a functional cyst.
- Dermiod cysts or teratomas are malignant.
- Cystadenoma.
- endometriomas. Formed from the endometrial lining of the uterus that grows where it shouldn’t, namely the ovaries.
Dermoid cysts and large cystadenomas can cause ovarian displacement. One complication of this shift is twisting of the ovary or torsion. Torsion is an emergency condition that must be treated quickly because it has the potential to cut off blood flow to the ovary and damage its tissues.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ovarian cysts is determined based on supporting examinations in the form of:
- Pregnancy test
In cysts that are formed from the corpus luteum, pregnancy tests can show positive results.
- Pelvic ultrasound
Ultrasound of the pelvis is not only performed to determine the location and size of the cyst, but also the contents of the cyst, whether it is solid, semi-solid or liquid.
- Ca 125
CA125 examination is performed if there is a suspicion of a cyst towards malignancy.
Treatment
Ovarian cysts that are classified as functional do not require special therapy for treatment. This type of cyst will disappear by itself without even knowing its presence.
However, other cysts that are larger in size and are not classified as functional cysts may require further treatment. Therapy that can be done such as hormonal treatment and surgery.
Complications
In a small proportion of cases, ovarian cysts can lead to serious, life-threatening complications such as:
- Ovarian torsion
Twisting of the ovary due to being pushed by the cyst. This torsion can result in cessation of blood flow to the ovaries and tissue death.
- Ovarian cyst rupture
Ovarian cysts can rupture and cause massive, life-threatening bleeding.
Prevention
Although it cannot be prevented, ovarian cysts can be treated properly and quickly if detected early. Therefore it is important to observe the changes that occur in each menstrual cycle.
Immediately carry out an examination if a significant change is found. For example, if there is severe pain or discomfort in the stomach that has never been felt before.