Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms and Treatment

Posted by drsumanlal on December 10th, 2019

A cyst is formed within an ovary. It is a closed, sac-like structure and contains liquid or semi-solid substance. It in enclosed in a membrane and the capsular portion is called the cyst wall. In most cases, the cysts are small and benign. Though they can appear at any age, they are more common during the reproductive years.

Cysts can be broadly classified into two types – Functional ovarian cysts and Pathological cysts.

1. Functional ovarian cysts – This is more common. They are a part of the women’s menstrual cycle and are short-lived.

2. Pathological cysts – These grow in the ovaries. They could be both malignant or benign.

Symptoms of Cysts

Most ovarian cysts do not cause a problem and get resolved without the women realizing its presence. In some cases, the cyst may cause pain which is mostly experienced in the abdomen or pelvis. This could arise due to:

• Rapid growth and stretching,
• Rupture of the cyst,
• Bleeding into the cyst, or
• Twisting of the cyst around its blood supply (known as torsion).

A woman may experience other symptoms when the cyst has become bigger. This could arise due to pressure or distortion of adjacent anatomical structures. These symptoms my include:

• Abdominal bloating, fullness and its expansion.
• Indigestion
• Pain in the lower back
• Urgency to urinate
• Early satiety
• Difficult bowel movement

Diagnosis and Treatment

Ovarian cysts can be diagnosed and treated by gynecologists-obstetricians. A doctor may be able to notice ovarian cysts during bimanual examination of pelvis. If there are some symptoms, the doctor may perform imaging techniques. Ultrasound is the best technique for detecting cysts.

The treatment of cyst would depend on the cause of the cyst and the symptoms that it produces. The factors that the determine the treatment include the age of the woman, its size, the results of the ultrasound. The functional cysts are usually observed. Treatment is required only when it is ruptured or there is bleeding. Benign and malignant tumors may require surgery. Some common treatments of cyst are:

Birth Control Pills

In recurring ovarian cysts, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives. This prevents ovulations and prevent cysts from forming. It also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is an effective technique to remove cysts which is small and is not cancerous. The process involves a small incision in the abdomen and insertion of a small instrument to remove it.

Laparotomy

In case of large cysts, the doctor may surgically remove it through a large incision. A biopsy may also be done to determine if it is cancerous. Depending on the findings further treatment can be done.

Dr Suman Lal is a Gynecologist doctor near golf course road Gurgaon with over 25 years of experience in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She in an expert in treating ovarian cysts through medication, laparoscopy or laparotomy as the case may require.

As a Gynecologist in Gurgaon  she educates he patient about the symptoms that could indicate cysts and prescribes the right diagnosis and treatment to cure the same.