Ovarian cyst is a pathological proliferation of tissues of the affected organ in the form of a bladder or sac filled with fluid. With severe inflammation, fluid begins to accumulate inside it. There is also an accumulation of pus, and the ovaries become painful, and the woman shows signs of intoxication.
Cystic proliferation of ovarian tissue is very rarely a separate disease, occurs mainly against the background of other disorders, being their complication. The cause of the pathology can be hormonal changes, gynecological diseases, a lack of thyroid hormone production by thyroid cells, miscarriages and abortions. Most of the functional cysts do not need surgical treatment, but require constant monitoring.
With very large sizes of the cyst, its rupture can occur, which is dangerous due to severe bleeding, so you must definitely know how the pathology manifests itself and be able to distinguish it from other diseases.
Types of Cysts
Be sure to know what types of ovarian cysts are, and how they differ among themselves. Among the main types of disease, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- follicular;
- paraovarial;
- endometrioid;
- dermoid;
- corpus luteum cyst.
The follicular cyst is formed at the site of the follicle. The disease develops gradually, if due to hormonal changes occurring in the body, the egg does not mature and does not go out. A follicular cyst is often found in young people, but it can also form in women during menopause.
The structure is a thin-walled neoplasm. Its walls are lined with follicular tissues, and outside are completely covered with connective tissue. Subsequently, they begin to desquamate, and cubic or flat cells are found on the inner surface.
The causes of follicular ovarian cysts are associated with hormonal levels. Often this neoplasm is single chamber. In some cases, several of them are formed at once. All of them are located nearby, which creates the impression of one large tumor, their size is not more than 60 mm, and light content accumulates inside.
Most women have no symptoms. Only in some cases they provoke a delay in menstruation. During their formation, aching pain in the lower abdomen is possible.
The formation of a corpus luteum cyst occurs after ovulation, when the follicle bursts, and in its place a neoplasm appears. This can mainly be with impaired blood flow and lymph formation. A cyst is formed mainly at the age of 16-45 years. This type of ovarian formation is functional, and is not associated with severe organ diseases.
Symptoms are mostly absent, but only in some cases a delay in the menstrual cycle is possible. After ovulation, there may be pain in the lower abdomen. In many women, the cystic corpus luteum gradually decreases. Luteal cells are gradually replaced by connective, and the cystic formation almost completely disappears.
The paraovarial cyst of both ovaries is formed from the germinal tissues that make up the ovaries. They are located between the ligaments of the uterus, diverging across the surface to the ovaries and tubes. Often, such neoplasms are diagnosed in women under 40 years of age. The size of the neoplasm can be very large.
The causes of endometrioid cysts are associated with the growth of the endometrium beyond the uterus on the ovarian tissue. In this case, an insignificant adhesive process is formed. With the progression of the disease, the cyst grows on both ovaries.
A dermoid cyst contains cartilage, adipose tissue, nails, hair and teeth. It is formed in violation of the development of the child. Such a cavity grows gradually, without provoking any special symptoms. Many are interested in the question of whether to remove a dermoid ovarian cyst and what its consequences may be. The main complication may be torsion of the legs and the occurrence of the inflammatory process. Such a cyst must be removed with laparoscopy.
Cyst during pregnancy
We examined the classification of ovarian cysts, it should be borne in mind that such a neoplasm during pregnancy can cause certain problems. It is quite possible to become pregnant with such a pathology, and often it is detected precisely during the gestation of the child. The corpus luteum cyst often passes by itself and poses no danger.
However, during the bearing of a child, when such a pathology is detected, it is necessary to pass tests for tumor markers, as well as undergo periodic ultrasound diagnostics. As the cyst ruptures, rupture may occur, which is fraught with the development of more serious complications. At later dates it is sometimes very difficult to distinguish it from other gynecological pathologies.
At 16-18 weeks, the cyst is removed by a laparoscopic and classic method. It is worth remembering that the likelihood of developing malignant neoplasms cannot be ruled out. Even with cysts on the ovary, labor can occur naturally. However, it should be borne in mind that the larger its size, the higher the likelihood of complications, especially rupture. Therefore, a cesarean section is often performed with simultaneous removal of the cyst.
Malignant neoplasm
If we turn to the classification of ovarian cysts, it must be borne in mind that it can be malignant. The tumor grows very quickly and reaches a significant size. Some individual varieties of the cyst, in particular, the mucosa, are prone to malignancy, gradually degenerating into a malignant neoplasm.
Cystoma provokes a violation of menstruation, constipation, abdominal pain, and infertility. It often occurs with torsion of the legs, rupture with the occurrence of internal bleeding, suppuration with the formation of peritonitis.
For the diagnosis of cystoma, the method of ultrasound, tomography is used. The diagnosis is confirmed by laparoscopy with biopsy. This intervention is often also therapeutic in nature.
Sometimes there is a need for a laparotomy. At the same time, a small piece of tissue is taken from the woman and sent for histology. With cancerous lesions of the cells, the volume of the operation is somewhat expanded. Malignant cystomas are also treated with hormonal drugs, chemotherapy, and radiation methods.
Main reasons
The main reason for the formation of ovarian cysts is a change in the endocrine system. The pathology can lead to:
- difficult working conditions;
- rapid pace of life;
- malnutrition.
According to the classification of ovarian cysts, provoking factors can be very different. However, the following disorders are most often found in patients with this diagnosis:
- inflammatory processes;
- hormonal disorders;
- obesity;
- late menopause.
Among the additional factors that provoke the formation of inflammation, it is necessary to distinguish such as:
- alcohol abuse and smoking;
- climate change;
- overweight;
- overwork, depression;
- significant physical exertion;
- early onset of sexual activity.
It is worth noting that no one is safe from the occurrence of ovarian cysts. A gynecologist will be able to determine the presence of disorders in both a young and an elderly woman, so it is important to be careful about your body.
How to recognize the disease in the initial stages
To prevent a significant increase in cystic formation, you need to know what symptoms and treatment of ovarian cysts are. It is important to recognize the signs of the course of the disease at the initial stage of its development, when the tumor only begins to grow. They are not characteristic of this pathology, however, they should become an occasion to contact a doctor.
In the presence of a cyst in a woman, her hormonal background is disturbed, which is reflected in the appearance and provokes certain changes in the body. A woman can gain excess weight quite sharply, provided that she maintains her previous diet and level of physical activity. Fat deposits are often accompanied by swelling and are localized mainly in the abdomen and thighs.
At the same time, the activity of hair follicles increases, which leads to intensive growth of hair on the body. They can appear in places where they had never grown before. Changes can also affect the timbre of the voice, as it becomes rougher. Some women may experience hoarseness.
Main symptoms
According to the classification of ovarian cysts, signs may vary somewhat. Most often, the pathology is asymptomatic. Such neoplasms are detected after ultrasound during a routine examination. However, sometimes symptoms such as:
- aching and pulling pain in the lower abdomen;
- feeling of heaviness;
- increased pain during sexual intercourse;
- uterine bleeding;
- pressure during emptying of the urinary or intestines;
- nausea and vomiting;
- menstrual irregularities.
In addition to all these signs, there are a number of symptoms in the presence of which an appeal to a doctor should be urgent. These include:
- compaction in the abdominal cavity;
- temperature rise;
- uterine bleeding;
- dizziness, weakness, weight loss.
All of these signs may indicate an ovarian cyst rupture. This can be a real threat to a woman’s life.
Diagnostics
Only a gynecologist can detect and diagnose an ovarian cyst in time, determining its type, variety, exact location and nature of the pathological process. For the diagnosis, you need to undergo such examinations as:
- initial inspection;
- blood and urine tests;
- ultrasound diagnostics;
- blood test for hormones;
- pregnancy test.
Analyzes with an ovarian cyst are required to identify the course of the inflammatory process, the nature and degree of blood loss. Ultrasound makes it possible to obtain the most complete information regarding the presence of a neoplasm. In addition, you need to take tests for ovarian cysts for hormones, as they help diagnose existing hormonal disorders. In more serious cases and with the occurrence of rare forms of the disease, studies such as:
- puncture of the posterior vaginal fornix ;
- tests for tumor markers with ovarian cysts;
- laparoscopy;
- tomography.
Puncture is required if there is a suspicion of rupture of the cyst, as this will detect fluid or blood in the abdominal cavity.
Treatment feature
Depending on the type and symptoms of ovarian cysts, treatment is selected strictly individually, and only the doctor decides on the method of therapy. Treatment can be carried out conservatively and by surgery. In order to prevent the occurrence of torsion and rupture of the cyst, the following recommendations should be observed:
- reduce physical activity;
- refuse physiotherapy and spa;
- Do not take hot baths.
In addition, you need to limit exposure to the sun, and also not to visit the solarium, as this can only aggravate the condition.
Drug therapy
Most types of ovarian cysts are treated on an outpatient basis by hormonal therapy. Drugs should be prescribed by a doctor. The following groups of medicines are included in complex treatment.
- Antibacterial. They are prescribed in the presence of cysts in order to exclude the inflammatory factor and avoid complications (Cefepim, Cefazolin, Cefotaxime, Zinnat, Doxycycline, Ampicillin, Vilprafen).
- Anti-inflammatory. They are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. It can be rectal suppositories ("Diclofenac", "Indomethacin"), tablet forms ("Ibuprofen", "Analgin") or injection ("Ketanov", "Diclofenac").
- Vitamins If functional cysts are suspected, vitamins A, E, and C are prescribed to normalize menstrual function and hormonal activity.
- Enzymatic. This group of drugs helps cysts to resolve and prevents the formation of adhesions. Wobenzym, Longidaza are appointed.
The duration of the course of therapy depends on the size of the cyst and the growth rate of the neoplasm.
Folk techniques
Drug therapy can be combined with folk remedies, as this allows you to cope with an existing problem much faster and more efficiently. For treatment, medicinal herbs are used. With their application, the first positive changes can be noticed literally after 2 months.
Effective remedies include walnut, or rather its partitions. Partitions from four fruits are taken, poured with a glass of boiling water and heated over moderate heat for 20 minutes, the drug is taken 2–3 tablespoons three times a day. After a month of treatment, it is necessary to repeat the ultrasound, which will show whether the tumor continues to grow or is undergoing its development.
Burdock juice is consumed three times a day, one spoon for a month. The juice should be fresh, squeezed from the stems of the plant, so this treatment is carried out in the summer months.
However, it is worth remembering that some herbs have certain contraindications, and are also able to provoke the occurrence of allergies. That is why, when choosing a remedy for the treatment of cysts, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarity of immunity. In case of pain and inflammation, herbal treatment should be stopped immediately.
Surgical intervention
Only the attending doctor can determine which operation with an ovarian cyst should be performed. With uncomplicated, follicular neoplasms, the cavity with the contents is removed, and the resulting ovarian defect is sutured.
Polycystic ovaries are treated by excision of the affected part of the organ, where the largest release of hormones occurs. With the same type of cyst, electrocoagulation can become the most effective method.
With an endometrioid cyst in reproductive age, a pathological focus is removed, but the ovary remains. During menopause, the cyst is removed along with the ovary. A much lesser degree of trauma is laparoscopic surgery. Intervention involves the introduction of instruments through a small puncture in the abdominal cavity.
What can be the complications
Women need to know what the ovarian cyst is dangerous and what complications can be. The most common violations are:
- intraperitoneal bleeding;
- abscess and inflammation;
- cyst necrosis and torsion of the legs;
- can go to cancer.
Even if the functional cyst is small, it may rupture without objective reasons. This condition requires urgent surgical intervention, since this process is accompanied by intra-abdominal bleeding.
If for some reason there is a torsion of the legs of the ovarian tumor, as a result of this there is tissue necrosis and peritonitis develops at this place. In the presence of genital infections, there is a high likelihood of inflammation. As a result, an abscess may occur.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures are very important. Given the fact that the causes of cyst formation in many cases are associated with the course of inflammation, prevention includes:
- reduction in abortion;
- sufficient physical activity;
- normalization of weight;
- condom use.
Ovarian cysts are common in women. It can be benign and malignant. Before treatment, it is necessary to undergo a full examination to determine the type of pathology and the purpose of therapy.