Follicle, also known as the cystic structure, is formed each month in the women’s body and is a part of each menstrual cycle that a woman undergoes. It is the follicle, from which, the two hormones, estrogen and progesterone are generated, due to whose stimulation; the mature egg from the ovary is released. Sometimes, due to the nonstop growth of the follicle, the ovarian cyst is developed.
Speaking in the layman terms, the ovarian cysts found in all women undergoing menstruation is the same. Generally, there are hardly any symptoms. A cyst does not have any visible traits like pain, hurt or anything else which may lead to her knowing that she might have a cyst. They disappear without any noticeable problems after a couple of menstrual cycles without undergoing any kind of specialized treatment.
The ovarian cyst can be of two types, simple ovarian cyst and complex ovarian cyst. The simple one only contains fluid whereas the complex is a mixture of fluid as well as some solid content. Follicular and corpus graafian cysts are the examples of both the types respectively. The complex ovarian cyst can be further divided into cystadenomas, endometriomas and dermoid cysts. The simple ones are not as dangerous as the complex ones. The simples less prone to cancer compared to the complex ovarian cyst. This is why; the cure for complex cyst is more complex and strenuous.
Ultrasound and routine pelvic examination are the procedures which lead to the discovery of the asymptotic ovarian cyst. It is checked and observed from time to time with the passage of the menstrual cycles to see if it rectifies on its own, failure of which requires treatment. Sometimes, the ovarian cyst may show clear signs of its existence. Painful and irregular periods, burning feeling during sexual intercourse or defecation are some of the various symptoms of the ovarian cyst’s development. A pain in the thighs and the ass can be felt which spreads from the abdomen downwards.
Manual pelvic examination diagnoses to the existence of ovarian cyst and the ultrasound confirms it. This technique enables the doctors to calculate the size, location and the contents of the ovarian cyst and the technique is non invasive too. Blood test is done following a pregnancy test which may be done to check for ectopic pregnancy.
Malignancy status of the cyst is found by the test for CA 125 antigen. Endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory diseases can also be found out if present with the help of these tests.
The speed of growth, the kind, and the duration of its existence are some of the factors that are considered before the actual treatment of the cyst takes place. There can be several complications like internal bleeding due to rupture etc. that can arise due to mistreatment. Problems can also arise if the ovaries twist due to the growth of the cysts leading to its increase in size.
Removal of the cyst with the help of surgery may be the best options for this. Another possibility is doing laparoscopy, also known as the key hole surgery, in which, small incisions are made in the abdomen. Through these holes, the surgical instruments are inserted to carry out the surgery. The doctor may even choose to undergo a surgery in which larger incisions are made. This is an open surgery. The removed cystic tissue is sent for biopsy to check for malignancy. If the result is positive, the doctor may ask you to get your organs like the uterus, fallopian tube and the ovaries (reproductive) removed. The processes are named hysterectomy and oopherectomy respectively.
The time of recovery depends upon the kind and the type of the surgery performed. If the ovaries are not removed, the cysts can resurface. The recovery is rapid in nature and the prognosis is likely to be as usual.