The female body cannot function normally if there are any abnormalities in the reproductive system. Any malfunction in the work of an organ can lead to a series of unpleasant diseases. Moreover, they can affect both mental well-being and physical. Most often, neoplasms such as cysts occur and are asymptomatic. They are localized, as a rule, in the ovaries (in one or both at once). Many of them do no harm and do not require medical intervention. But if alarming symptoms appear - pain, discharge - it is worthwhile to find out why cysts form on the ovaries. It makes sense to examine their varieties in more detail, as well as to study methods of diagnosis and treatment.
Definition
A thin-walled cavity filled with fluid is a cyst (cystadenoma). In some cases, it may be serous fluid or blood. She looks like a pouch that bulges out. Its dimensions can be very small, for example, be a few millimeters, or impressive. In medical practice, there were cysts twenty centimeters in diameter. Despite the advanced technologies used in medicine, there is still no exact answer to the question: why do cysts form on the ovaries. There is also no clear definition at what age women are most at risk of developing this pathology. You can only trace the pattern in the factors that cause its development.
Kinds
Before studying treatment methods, it is necessary to understand why cysts form on the ovaries in women. Medical practice divides them into the following types:
- functional cyst;
- paraovarial is formed from ligaments located in the appendages;
- follicular arises as a result of an unexploded mature follicle, it is filled with a clear liquid.
Since the cystadenoma inside is filled with liquid, it is worth considering its properties and composition separately. If, as a result of opening it and studying the contents, it turns out that it contains a dark brown liquid, and the inner cavity is lined with endometrium (uterine epithelial tissue), then this is an endometrioid cyst. The nature of the occurrence of the neoplasm is associated with monthly menstrual bleeding. The serous cyst contains a light yellow liquid inside, and the capsule consists of a serous epithelium.
Mucinous type cystadenoma consists of several chambers. It can have impressive dimensions compared to previous species. Its inner layer consists of glandular tissue, which produces mucus (mucin) that fills the capsule. If such cysts form on the ovaries constantly (why does this happen, only a doctor can say, after a thorough examination), then it is worth honestly answering the question, does a woman adhere to the selected treatment regimen? Such a neoplasm can not be ignored, since it refers to the true type of cystadenoma, which threatens to go into a cancerous tumor.
In the event of a failed pregnancy, a cystic capsule may also form from the embryo embryo. Inside, it consists of fragments of tissue and fat. Such a cyst is called dermoid.
Corpus luteum cyst
As a result of ovulation, rupture of the follicle, an egg is released. A yellow body forms at this site. As a result of successful fertilization and implantation of the cell into the body of the uterus, it helps the embryo to develop and maintains pregnancy. This is due to the production of progesterone. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum ceases to function and resolves. However, sometimes everything goes according to a completely different pattern, and inside the cyst is filled with fluid and blood. This neoplasm is called the corpus luteum cyst. What is the cause, and why are cysts formed on the ovaries in women? Most often, their appearance is associated with a malfunction of the hormonal system.
Paraovarial neoplasm
The development of a paraovarial tumor can occur for several reasons:
- pathology in the development of the follicle;
- dysfunction of the ovaries, as well as malfunctions of the thyroid gland;
- surgery of the pelvic organs, medical abortion;
- sexually transmitted infections.
These are the main reasons why cysts form on the ovaries, and knowing this, you can prevent their appearance. It is enough to control your health at least once every six months. Paraovarial cystadenoma is formed in the area of the fallopian tubes or ovaries. In medical practice, such neoplasms can reach large sizes, which can cause significant discomfort. They rarely go into malignant tumors. However, if the size of the cyst becomes large (more than 10 cm), the risk of rupture of the cyst increases.
Follicular cyst
If the follicle rupture has not occurred, then this may cause the formation of a follicular cyst. The fact is that an unopened capsule gradually begins to fill with liquid, which leads to an increase in its size. The most favorable outcome - they resolve on their own. It is only necessary to control their quantity and frequency of occurrence. Hormonal failure is the main reason why a cyst forms on the ovary. It is noteworthy that the place of its formation is possible both on the left and on the right. That is, from the side where the dominant follicle matured.
Why are formed
Unfortunately, there is no unanimous opinion on why ovarian cysts form. There are several risk criteria that contribute to the development of this ailment. The most common include: hormonal imbalance, malfunctioning of the reproductive system, sexually transmitted infections. Pathology also occurs among young girls, the reason for this may be the early onset of the menstrual cycle. Adverse effects have previously had an abortion.
If a woman constantly develops cysts on the ovaries of the mucinous or endometrioid type, then there is a risk of their transition to a malignant formation. However, it is not worthwhile to make a diagnosis before yourself. First, it is necessary to diagnose and pass a series of tests that will determine how likely the development of a cancerous tumor is.
Surgical interventions are also the cause for the occurrence of neoplasms. In medical practice, there have often been cases when, after removal of the tube, cysts formed on the ovaries. It should be understood that any surgical intervention is fraught with the development of adhesions, cystadenomas and other pathologies of the pelvic organs.
How to determine the presence of a cyst
Having figured out what causes the cyst on the ovary, it is necessary to determine what symptoms need to be paid increased attention to. Despite the fact that pain symptoms are characteristic of cystadenoma, it does not always make itself felt in this way. On the contrary, for a long time it may not appear at all. Acute pain can occur due to twisting of the legs of the cyst, which connect it to the surface of the ovary. The intensification of pain occurs at the end of the menstrual cycle and a period of heavy bleeding.
The development of the adhesive process leads to the fact that a woman more often forms constipation and problems in the intestines. The larger the size of the cyst, the greater the pressure on the nearby organs. It can also provoke frequent urination if it is in close proximity to the bladder.
The doctor can use any available diagnostic methods that will allow you to get a clear picture and determine the degree of neglect of the disease. The main method is ultrasound. It shows in real time what is happening inside the body. Using the data obtained, the doctor has the opportunity to follow how a cyst is formed on the woman's ovary (in particular, the follicular), to evaluate the size and structure, internal contents. Based on this, a treatment regimen is built and its duration is determined.
In the process of diagnosis, a study is also conducted to exclude the development of a neoplasm into a cancerous tumor. For this, a test for the tumor marker Sa-125 is taken. If the indicators are exceeded (more than 35 units / ml), it is necessary to consult a doctor regarding the further treatment regimen.
The consequences of leaving untreated cystadenoma
In fact, it is not enough to know why cysts form on the ovaries, it is also important to understand that it is extremely undesirable to leave the problem unattended. Any neoplasms should be under control. And even if it does not cause inconvenience, once every six months it is important to undergo an examination for a timely response in case of an increase in its size. It is especially important to eliminate endometrioid cystadenoma in time. For a woman planning a pregnancy, her presence can lead to problems with conceiving and bearing a baby in the future.
Functional cysts left unattended contribute to menstrual irregularities. Also, such neoplasms lead to a change in its duration and the nature of the discharge. As a rule, in such a situation a woman does not know what to do. An ovarian cyst has formed? The first thing you need to see a doctor. Timely diagnosis and treatment can stop its growth or contribute to the fact that it resolves.
Rupture of cystadenoma
Often, the presence of a cyst is not felt at all. But if it has become more than 8-10 cm and its growth continues, it is worth listening to the doctor’s recommendations and removing it surgically. If you leave the situation unattended, it may break at any time. If a woman felt severe pain in the abdomen, which fetters the whole body, it is urgent to call an ambulance. In addition, it is possible to increase body temperature, which can not be reduced with antipyretic drugs.
Spotting in the middle of the menstrual cycle, dizziness (up to loss of consciousness) are also an occasion for urgent consultation with a doctor. Leaving symptoms unattended can lead to peritonitis and sepsis. Internal bleeding urgently needs to be stopped and an emergency call should not be delayed. Any procrastination is fatal.
Treatment
Having determined the nature of the disease, it remains to decide how to treat a cyst on the ovary. As a rule, the course is stretched for 5-6 months. The result also depends on the psychological mood of the woman. The main thing in this matter is to adhere to the doctor's recommendations and, if possible, to exclude unprotected sexual intercourse for the first three months. This is a risk of infection, which can exacerbate the picture of pathology. In addition to treating sexually transmitted diseases, it is separately necessary to monitor the microflora in the vagina. It is necessary to eliminate the signs and symptoms of vaginosis (including bacterial). At the same time, a course of immunostimulating drugs is prescribed. It can be special vaginal suppositories, tinctures, tablets, dietary supplements, injections of vitamins.
The non-surgical method of treatment also includes the use of oral contraceptives for three to six cycles in a row or their exclusion for this period and replacement with hormone-containing pills (for example, “Dufaston”, “Utrozhestan”). This option is resorted to in the case when, before detecting a cyst on the ovary, a woman already took a hormonal contraceptive for a long time.
If stress became the cause of the failure in the body, it is necessary to include drugs that reduce anxiety in the treatment regimen. In the case of a depressive state, one cannot do without a specialist who understands psychology. Why are cysts formed on the ovaries, is it worth it to be nervous? Is there any way to deal with this, and what treatment is suitable for deterioration during periods of nervous breakdown? Only an expert can answer these questions. The positive effect of treatment is also achieved as a result of the woman's awareness of the whole picture of what is happening. The more positive the mood, the faster the recovery.
As auxiliary methods of therapy can be prescribed:
- physiotherapy (effective to eliminate the pain symptom);
- hirudotherapy (improves blood circulation).
A radical way to eliminate a cyst is laparoscopy, which is a surgical treatment. Not the easiest method in terms of psychological perception, but at the same time one of the most effective. They resort to it when diagnosing significant true cystadenomas in size. If the risk of its transition to a malignant tumor is established, removal of the ovaries and appendages is possible. It is in this case about 8 cm or more in diameter. Also, in the absence of positive dynamics as a result of long-term treatment (more than six months).