Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis
A gynecologist or emergency physician uses different diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis of a ruptured ovarian cyst. These tests are similar to those used to confirm an intact ovarian cyst. Once a patient is taken to the emergency department, the medical team will first try to stabilize her. Then they proceed to make the diagnosis of ruptured ovarian cyst. The procedure will be smooth if the patient is comparatively in a stable condition.
A complete blood test will be done on the victim to understand the condition of the patient. The blood test has several components. First of all the doctor will examine the patient`s hematocrit. This test points out how much of your blood volume is occupied by red blood cells. Decreased hematocrit means anemia, which can also be related to internal bleeding. Your hemoglobin level may also be examined by the doctor. It can be close to normal or slightly lower, in the case of hemorrhage.
White Blood Count (WBC) is another test which is done. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body against infection. In the case of a simple cyst or irregular menstrual cycles, your white blood cell count may be normal or slightly increased. If there is an excessive increase in the white blood count, the condition is known as leukocytosis. This can be the sign of bacterial infection, trauma or stress. Along with this other blood properties like prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and international normalized ratio, will be measured. This is done to make sure that the blood is capable of clotting normally. A CA 125 antigen test may also be conducted, which indicates conditions as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or a malignant ovarian cyst. This test is time consuming as it takes 24 hours to give the result and will be undertaken only in the case of an emergency situation.
Pregnancy test is also conducted by the doctor. This is mainly done because the symptoms of a pregnancy in the fallopian tubes are like those of a ruptured ovarian cyst. Pregnancy will be confirmed by the presence of human chorionic growth hormone (HCG) in your blood. Urine analysis may also be done according to the discretion of the doctor. If pus or blood is contained in the urine, it can be indicative of an inflamed or infected ovarian process, such as a ruptured ovarian cyst.
In the process of diagnosis, imaging studies can also help. Ultrasonography is particularly useful in diagnosing ovarian cyst. These are used to estimate the size of the ovarian cyst, it`s structure and complexity. Pregnancy can also be confirmed by Ultrasonography. The blood flow to the ovary can be assessed by certain types of ultrasound. Lack of flow may indicate the twisted condition of the ovaries due to the size and location of the cyst. A computerized tomography (CT) scan may assist the doctor in case the ultrasound imaging fails.
Culdocentesis may be performed if the condition is very unstable and the doctor does not have access to ultrasonography. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the abdomen to see if there is the presence of fluid in it. If fluid is present, it points out a ruptured ovarian cyst, inflammation of the liver or carcinoma.
Your doctor may also perform a laparoscopy as part of the diagnostic process. A small incision is made in the belly, near the belly button. Through this incision, a small camera is inserted to inspect the internal organs directly. If needed, surgical procedures like removal of an ovarian cyst or ovaries can be done using a laparoscopy.
The aim of your doctor throughout the diagnosis process will be to determine whether your cyst has ruptured and if so, the extent and consequences of the rupture. The chances of complications can be reduced by taking timely medical help.