Are Complex Ovarian Cysts Dangerous ?
The two small, almond shaped organ located on either side of your pelvis responsible for producing eggs that are released during your monthly menstrual cycle are called ovaries. Sometimes small, fluid-filled sacs develop on the surface of or within your ovary. Normally ovarian cysts are not harmful and will resolve without treatment after a few months. Most often, a woman will not even know that she has a cyst. But, complex ovarian cysts can pose serious health problems. Severe complications might be there if the cyst ruptures.
Ovarian cysts are formed when there is malfunctioning in the normal, monthly cycle of egg growth, development and release. Cystic structures known as follicles are normally grown each month, which produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. However, sometimes a normal follicle continues to grow and becomes known as functional ovarian cyst.
Functional cysts are of two types. A follicular cyst begins when the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) which stimulates the egg to be released in a normal ovarian cycle fails to occur. The follicle instead of rupturing and releasing the egg turns into a cyst instead. Follicular cysts are not serious and not usually painful. They will vanish on their own after a few menstrual cycles.
The ruptured follicle secretes large volumes of estrogen and progesterone, when the LH surge occurs and the egg is released. Once this happens, the follicle becomes known as the luteum or white body. At times the opening in the follicle left by the egg becomes sealed off. Fluid gets accumulated inside the corpus luteum, resulting in a cyst. Most of the times this type of cyst deteriorates on its own. But it has the potential to grow, bleed within its capsule and even twist the ovary. The consequence will be severe pelvic or abdominal pain.
Complex ovarian cysts are rarely found, but are more dangerous. They have both solid and liquid components. There are three different types of ovarian cysts. Dermoid cysts form from the cells that produce human eggs (ova). These cells have the capacity to develop into any tissue in the human body as they are non-differentiated. As a consequence dermoid cysts often contain tissues such as hair, skin or teeth. Though they are not exclusively cancerous, they can become large and painful and may cause your ovaries to twist resulting in terrible pain.
Endometrioma is the second type of complex ovarian cysts, which develop as a result of endometriosis. The uterine cells grow outside the uterus in endometriosis. Therefore the uterine tissue has the ability to attach to your ovary and form a growth. The third type of complex ovarian cyst develops from ovarian tissue. These are called cystadenomas and are usually filled with a watery liquid or mucous and they may grow to be very large, up to 12 or more inches in diameter. Since the cyst is very large the patient`s ovary might become twisted and intensely painful.
The symptoms of larger complex ovarian cysts will get noticed quickly. But these signs may resemble those caused by abdominal and pelvic pain such as endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy. Menstrual irregularities are common symptoms of an ovarian cyst. The pelvic pain patient experiences may extend up to thighs and buttocks. The patient may feel intense pain at the time of sexual intercourse or shortly before your period begins or ends. Heaviness in abdomen, nausea, vomiting and breast tenderness are other common symptoms. These may be similar to early pregnancy. If someone feels sudden abdominal pain it is an indication that she needs to seek immediate medical help.
The Doctor may wish to perform a manual pelvic examination, to ascertain whether the patient have an ovarian cyst or not. A pelvic ultrasound which is a more sophisticated test, will support the diagnosis. Along with a blood test, a pregnancy test will also be conducted. The pregnancy test is carried out to make sure that it is not an ectopic pregnancy. The blood test will examine the levels of CA 125 antigen, which is produced by cancerous cysts. It has to be noted that this antigen is not just produced by cancers. It may be produced in conditions such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease.
The diagnosis and treatment of a complex ovarian cyst have to be given due importance. You should not neglect sudden pain in your abdomen or pelvis as it needs thorough medical attention.