Ovarian Cysts, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or semi-fluid that forms on or inside an ovary. Ovarian cysts or tumors can be divided into three main groups: Functional (24%) They form as a result of enlargement of the follicular cyst that contained the ovum during the menstrual cycle. Benign epithelial neoplastic cysts (70% of ovarian cysts) a. Serous cystadenoma: b. Mucinous cystadenoma: c. Benign neoplastic cystic tumors of germ cell origin d. Benign cystic teratoma; rarely malignant. Malignant (6%) Causes: Each month during the menstrual cycle, a follicle grows on the ovary. The follicle is where an egg is developing. Most months, an egg is released from this follicle, called ovulation. If the follicle does not break open and release an egg, the fluid remains in the follicle and develops a cyst. This is called a follicular cyst. Another type of cyst occurs after an egg has been released from a follicle. This is called a corpus luteum cyst. These functional ovarian cysts tend to be more frequent in the childbearing age between puberty and menopause. The disorder is less frequent after menopause. Taking fertility drugs can cause a disorder in which multiple large cysts are formed on the ovaries. This is called ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome. The cysts most often go away after a woman's period, or after a pregnancy. Benign neoplastic cystic tumors of germ cell origin are most frequent in young women. They are responsible for 15-20% of all ovarian neoplasms. Risk factors Obesity. Tamoxifen therapy has been linked with a rise in persistent ovarian cysts. Early menarche. Infertility. Dermoid cysts can be inherited in families Symptoms Ovarian cysts often produce no symptoms but are found by chance on bimanual examination or ultrasound There is dull ache or pain in the…