What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac in or on the ovary. There are several types of ovarian cysts. Many ovarian cysts are noncancerous cysts that occur as a result of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). These are called functional cysts. Functional cysts normally shrink on their own over time, usually in about 1 to 3 months. Often functional cysts do not cause any symptoms (you may not even know you have one), but other times they can cause abdominal pain, menstrual irregularities, nausea and vomiting. If you have a functional cyst, your doctor may want to check you again in 1 to 3 months to make sure the cyst has gotten smaller. If you develop functional cysts often, your doctor may want you to take birth control pills so you won't ovulate. If you don't ovulate, you won't form functional cysts.
If you do have a cyst, your doctor will probably want you to have a sonogram so he or she can look at the cyst. What your doctor decides to do after that depends on your age, the way the cyst looks on the sonogram and if you're having symptoms such as pain, bloating, feeling full after eating just a little, and constipation.
If you are menopausal and are not having periods, you shouldn't form functional cysts, but it is possible for you to form other types of ovarian cysts. You should call your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
Do I need surgery for an ovarian cyst?
The treatment for ovarian cysts depends on several things, such as your age, whether you are having periods, the size of the cyst, its appearance and your symptoms.
If you're having periods, only mild symptoms and the cyst is functional, you probably won't need to have surgery. If the cyst doesn't go away after several menstrual periods, if it gets larger or if it doesn't look like a functional cyst on the sonogram, your doctor may want you to have an operation to remove it. There are many different types of ovarian cysts in women of childbearing age that do require surgery. Fortunately, cysts in women of this age are almost always benign (noncancerous).
If you're past menopause and have an ovarian cyst, your doctor will probably want you to have surgery. Ovarian cancer is rare, but women 50 to 70 years of age are at greater risk. Women who are diagnosed at an early stage do much better than women who are diagnosed later.
What type of surgery would I need?
If the cyst is small (about the size of a plum or smaller) and if it looks benign on the sonogram, your doctor may decide to do a laparoscopy. This type of surgery is done with a lighted instrument called a laparoscope that's like a slender telescope. This is put into your abdomen through a small incision (cut) just above or just below your navel (belly button). With the laparoscope, your doctor can see your organs. Often the cyst can be removed through small incisions at the pubic hair line.
If the cyst looks too big to remove with the laparoscope or if it looks suspicious in any way, your doctor will probably do a laparotomy. A laparotomy uses a bigger incision to remove the cyst or possibly the entire affected ovary and fallopian tube. While you are under general anesthesia (which puts you in a sleep-like state) the cyst can be tested to find out if it is cancer. If it is cancer, your doctor may need to remove both of the ovaries, the uterus, a fold of fatty tissue called the omentum and some lymph nodes. It's very important that you talk to your doctor about all of this before the surgery. Your doctor will also talk to you about the risks of each kind of surgery, how long you are likely to be in the hospital and how long it will be before you can go back to your normal activities.
What is polycystic ovary syndrome?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that occurs when an imbalance of hormone levels in a woman's body causes cysts (say: "sists") to form in the ovaries. The cysts are like tiny, fluid-filled balloons.
Women can develop PCOS during their teenage or childbearing years.
What are the symptoms of PCOS?
Usually, women who have PCOS have irregular, infrequent or no menstrual periods. They may also have trouble getting pregnant. Some women who have PCOS do not experience any symptoms.Other signs and symptoms of PCOS may include:
- Acne
- Overweight and obesity
- Excessive hair growth on the face, nipple area, chest, lower abdomen and thighs
Women who have PCOS are more likely to have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
What causes PCOS?
Doctors do not know what causes PCOS. If you have PCOS, you may have a problem with the way your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Because of this problem, the hormone levels that control your ovaries and menstrual periods can become abnormal.
Does PCOS cause long-term problems?
If you have PCOS, you are more likely to develop high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. This means you have a greater risk for strokes and heart attacks.
Problems with menstrual periods may also cause women who have PCOS to be infertile (unable to get pregnant). They may also have a higher risk for cancer of the uterus or breast.
How can my doctor tell that I have PCOS?
Your doctor will look for the signs of PCOS. He or she will give you a full physical examination, which will most likely include a pelvic exam. Blood tests that measure your hormone levels can also help. An ultrasound exam can show if you have cysts on your ovaries.
How is PCOS treated?
Treatment for PCOS focuses on managing the symptoms. You might need to lose weight. Eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise can help manage PCOS. Medicine can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce abnormal hair growth and acne. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, those conditions also need treatment. If you want to have a baby, there are medicines that may help you get pregnant.
