Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Overview
A cystic structure known as a follicle is formed in a woman’s body, each month during the normal menstrual cycle. Estrogen and progesterone, which are responsible for stimulating the release of a mature egg from the ovary, are secreted by the follicles. In some cases an ovarian cyst develops as a result of the continuous growth of the follicle.
Basically there is no difference in the ovarian cysts found in all women who experience menstruation. In many cases these cysts are formed without any symptoms. A woman will not find or experience any difference, pain or other signs which makes her aware that she has a cyst. Mostly ovarian cysts will disappear after one or two menstrual cycles, even without the help of any treatment.
Two types of ovarian cysts are there – simple and complex. The one which contains only fluid is called a simple cyst and the one which contains both fluid and solid content is known as complex. Examples of simple and functional cysts are Follicular cysts and corpus Graafian cysts. There are many types of complex ovarian cysts. They are dermoid cysts, endometriomas and cystadenomas. Simple ovarian cysts are less malignant whereas complex ones tend to develop into a malignancy. Due to this reason treatment for complex cysts is often less conservative.
Most of the times asymptomatic ovarian cysts are found while doing routine pelvic examination or an ultrasound which are done for different medical purposes. An ovarian cyst which is small and located favorably may be observed after many menstrual cycles, to see whether it resolves on its own. In some women ovarian cysts create clear signs. The symptoms can vary from irregular or painful periods, pain during sexual intercourse and during defecation. Sometimes there can be pain in the abdomen which may spread to thighs and buttocks.
Usually a manual pelvic examination will diagnose the presence of ovarian cysts. An ultrasound will confirm the diagnosis. This is a non-invasive technique which helps the doctor to comprehend the size, composition and location of the ovarian cyst. In some cases doctors will ask you to go for a pregnancy test to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Following this a blood test may be conducted. The doctor will test for the CA 125 antigen, to see if the cyst is malignant. This can also be indicative of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.
There are several factors to be considered for the treatment of the cyst like age, type of cyst, its location, size and pace of growth. Complications like the possibility of a rupture, which may cause internal bleeding, shock or peritonitis can arise. Also the cysts can become enlarged to make your ovaries to twist. This can lead to extreme discomfort.
In some cases your doctor may decide that the best option would be the surgical removal of the cyst. A more conservative, key hole surgery, where three small incisions are made in the abdomen is known as Laparoscopy. Through the incisions, small surgical instruments are inserted. The doctor may go for a surgery in the traditional manner, where a larger incision is made in the abdomen and the surgery is ‘open’. During your laparoscopy or open surgery, the doctor may send any removed cystic tissue for biopsy. If at all, this tissue is found to be malignant; your doctor may suggest you to remove some of your reproductive organs like ovaries, fallopian tube or uterus. Removal of ovaries is called oopherectomy and removal of uterus is called hysterectomy. This will be done only after consulting with the patient and getting her consent.
Actual recovery time from surgery will vary according to the type of surgery performed, though recovery is complete and rapid. Your ongoing prognosis is likely to be excellent, in spite of the fact that cysts can reoccur if the ovaries are not removed.