The ovaries play an important role in the reproductive system of women. Under the influence of various factors, this body can undergo pathological changes that can cause severe harm to women's health. One of the most common formations that form in the ovaries is cysts. The vast majority of them are serous ovarian cysts - cystadenomas. Despite the fact that these formations are benign in nature, in some circumstances they can degenerate into a malignant form. Therefore, it is so important to know the causes of serous cysts and methods of its treatment.
Definition
A serous cyst is a neoplasm that is a cavity filled with a cloudy fluid. A feature of cystadenoma is the presence of a dense inelastic capsule. Such a cyst has a tendency to grow, which sometimes leads to compression of neighboring organs and the development of serious complications. Serous cysts can appear both in one ovary, and in both at once.
Classification
Currently, experts distinguish two forms of serous cysts, which differ from each other in structural features and the clinical picture.
- Simple. This is the safest type of neoplasm, rarely degenerating into a malignant form. A simple serous cyst has a one-sided localization and is a single-chamber cavity with a smooth membrane both inside and outside.
- Papillary (papillary).Such education in most cases is bilateral. A distinctive feature is the presence on the cyst of peculiar papillae, which can be located both on the external and on the inner side of the formation. They have a wide base and can be of completely different sizes. There are cases when papillary growths move into the abdominal cavity, which leads to the development of dangerous pathological conditions. This type of serous cyst has a tendency to degenerate into a malignant form.
Reasons for the appearance
The causes of the appearance of serous cysts (cystadenomas) are still not fully understood. The most likely factors that can provoke the development of formations are:
- Hormonal background malfunctions.
- Thyroid disease.
- Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
- Infectious diseases.
- Surgical interventions.
- Abortion
- Excessive exercise.
- Stress and psycho-emotional stress.
- Prolonged sexual abstinence or frequent change of partners.
- Excess weight.
- Anorexia.
- Frequent diets.
- Improperly prescribed hormone therapy.
Symptomatology
In the early stages, the serous cyst of the left ovary or right practically has no characteristic signs and is detected by chance at a doctor's appointment. As she grows, the following symptoms begin to bother the woman:
- Aching or cramping pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region.
- The appearance of pain during intercourse or physical activity.
- Due to the pressure of the overgrown cyst on the bladder, frequent urination may disturb.
- Sometimes there is a slight increase in body temperature.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Asymmetry of the abdomen. For example, if a serous cyst of the right ovary has formed, that increase in the peritoneum will be observed on this side.
- Violations of the stool.
- General weakness and malaise.
- Nausea.
- Insomnia.
- Apathy.
- Irritability.
If the above symptoms appear, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnostics
To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a number of diagnostic measures, including laboratory and instrumental examinations. Let's consider them in more detail.
- First of all, a gynecological examination is performed, in which the presence of education, its mobility and associated symptoms are determined.
- General analysis of blood and urine.
- Blood test for hormones.
- Ultrasound examination, during which the size of the cyst, its type and structure is clarified.
- Tomography, which helps to determine the degree of its growth to neighboring tissues and organs.
- Dopplerography, which examines the formation of blood flow to exclude the malignant nature of the formation.
- Endoscopic examination.
- Laparoscopy.
- Blood test for antigens.
- A histological examination is performed with suspicion of the development of an oncological process.
It is important to note that all diagnostic measures for this disease should be carried out from 5 to 7 days of the menstrual cycle. It is during this period that you can get the most reliable test results, on the basis of which the doctor makes an accurate diagnosis and prescribes effective therapy.
Treatment
The treatment method for serous ovarian cysts is selected individually by a specialist in each case, taking into account the following factors:
- The size of education.
- Its localization.
- The presence of concomitant diseases.
- The general condition of the patient.
- Planning for a future pregnancy.
- The degree of risk of degeneration of the cyst into a malignant form.
Serous cyst is treated with both conservative and surgical methods. In some cases, physiotherapy and acupuncture may be indicated.
Conservative therapy
This method is used in the early stages of neoplasm development. In this case, the following categories of drugs can be prescribed:
- Hormonal
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Stops tumor growth.
- Vitamin complexes.
Surgical treatment
In most cases, in the treatment of serous cysts, an operational method of their removal is preferred. Currently, there are quite gentle methods that are used even for those women who are planning a pregnancy in the future.
With the benign nature of the formations, doctors try to maintain the largest possible volume of ovarian tissue, removing only damaged areas. But there are cases in which the surgeon decides to remove the entire ovary, and sometimes two at once. This happens with the development of the oncological process, as well as in those cases when the patient is in the period of menopause.
Surgical intervention is performed in the following ways:
- Laparoscopy. One of the most effective and gentle methods of surgical intervention. It allows you to avoid bleeding and has a quick rehabilitation period. Removal of the serous cyst is carried out using a special device - a laparoscope, which is inserted into the abdominal cavity through small incisions. The device is equipped with a video camera with which an image is displayed on a nearby screen. With laparoscopy, a woman can leave the medical institution for 3-4 days.
- Laparotomy It is performed with large tumor sizes. It is a cavity open operation with a long rehabilitation period and the likelihood of complications.
Types of Surgery
The following types of surgical intervention are distinguished:
- Cystectomy Direct removal of only the tumor and affected ovarian tissue. The organ is preserved and continues to function normally.
- Ovariectomy The serous cyst is removed along with the ovary.
- Wedge resection. With this method, the affected tissue is cut out in the form of a wedge, leaving the healthy part of the ovary intact.
- Adnexatomy. It happens one-sided and two-sided. Such an operation is performed with cysts that have a size of at least 3 centimeters. The affected side of the ovary is removed, sometimes along with the tube. Bilateral removal is performed if both ovaries are affected, as well as in women during menopause to reduce the risk of oncological processes.
ethnoscience
Alternative medicine can be used as adjuvant therapy and only after consultation with the attending physician, since with individual intolerance complications in the form of bleeding can occur.
In the absence of allergic reactions with cystic formations in the ovaries, the following plants have worked well:
- Pine uterus.
- Sagebrush.
- Nettle.
- Shepherd's bag.
- Mint.
- Shepherd's bag.
Possible complications
Like any other disease, a serous cyst in the absence of treatment can provoke the development of dangerous complications.
- First of all, with active growth, compression of neighboring organs occurs, which can cause acute conditions.
- Twist the legs. With this pathology, a rupture of the cyst may occur, bleeding may occur.
- Rupture of a cyst. A very dangerous pathological condition in which the contents of the formation can enter the abdominal cavity, thereby causing peritonitis. Requires immediate treatment.
- Anemia.
- Infertility.
- Inflammatory diseases.
- Internal bleeding.
- Rebirth in a malignant form.
Prevention
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. This also applies to ovarian cysts. Subject to certain rules, the risk of developing neoplasms can be minimized. If they did occur, timely treatment allows you to restore women's health without major surgical interventions.
Preventive measures include the following rules:
- You should regularly visit a gynecologist and take the necessary tests. This is especially true for women entering the menopause. Global hormonal changes can cause serious disturbances in the work of female organs.
- You need to carefully monitor your health and if you see suspicious symptoms, consult a doctor.
- It is necessary to completely cure all internal diseases.
- Do not self-medicate.
- Eat right, refusing fatty, canned foods and fast foods.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
Serous cysts can appear in women at any age, but patients after 45 years are most susceptible to it. You should listen to your body and consult the doctor at the first symptoms of the development of pathology. Timely therapy will help minimize the risk of complications. It is not recommended to self-medicate, as with improper drug therapy you can harm your body, exacerbating the situation, and uncontrolled use of traditional medicine can provoke even more serious complications. Currently, there are many effective treatment methods that your doctor will help you choose.