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Spotting Ovarian Cysts

Symptoms of Simple Ovarian Cysts
The menstrual cycle may reveal if you have ovarian cysts.

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How Serious Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts can be simple or complex. Complex ovarian cysts are those that contain either blood or a solid substance and are more likely to require treatment. It is rarely appropriate to aspirate an ovarian cyst for diagnostic purposes.

False-negative results are common and leakage of cyst contents into the peritoneal cavity potentially increases the stage of any cancer found, decreasing patient survival. More common simple cysts usually clear on their own. [1]

The different types of complex ovarian cyst include:
  • Endometriomas. This type occurs when the cells of the uterine lining grow in or around the ovaries or on the uterus. Endometriomas contain a thick brown fluid.
  • Dermoids. Skin, hair, fat, or teeth cells make up dermoid cysts.
  • Cystadenomas. These cysts are made of ovarian tissue and contain mucus or fluid.

A simple ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid within a normally solid ovary. It forms when an egg is released from the ovary during ovulation. In the days before ovulation, the follicle forms, growing around the egg. However, in a few cases, a damaged follicle fails to open and release the egg. What occurs instead is that liquid remains, and a cyst forms on the ovary.

As this occurs with ovarian cysts, menstrual cycles might have pointed pains linked with them. Nevertheless, there are no early symptoms that a cyst is forming. In fact, there are not any signs that the cysts exist unless incidentally discovered during an ultrasound (sonogram) for some other reason or they are discovered in a routine exam. The doctor will generally watch it for a couple of months and ensure that it disappears on its own as it should. Almost all ovarian cysts are benign and go away on their own. [2]

Simple Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Sometimes the ovarian cyst’s monthly cycle will become spotty or just the opposite, very heavy. Either of these circumstances could be a sign that you have cysts. If this kind of situation continues, see your doctor to get an update on the status of your condition. Left untreated, it can grow into septated ovarian cysts that must be surgically removed. The masses can grow quite large and even mirror a pregnancy in size and symptoms.

Symptoms that you have a larger ovarian cyst include lower intestinal pain, revulsion, puking, and extended stomach. If any of these symptoms linger, see your ob-gyn physician (gynecologist). Allowing this type of cyst to stay for long increases your chances of it damaging other organs or turning into a carcinogenic growth. This isn’t said to frighten you but to make you conscious of what could occur. Mostly, there is nothing cancerous or evil about the majority of cysts. [3]

Differential diagnosis of benign ovarian cysts includes: [4]
  • Simple cysts
  • Hemorrhagic corpus luteum cysts
  • Dermoids (mature cystic teratomas)
  • Endometriomas
  • Pedunculated Fibroids
  • Hydrosalpinges
  • Paratubal and paraovarian cysts
  • Peritoneal inclusion cysts (also known as pseudocysts)
  • Pelvic kidneys
  • Appendiceal or diverticular abscess
  • Ectopic pregnancy

Simple ovarian cyst menstrual cycles can be extremely short, extended, spotted, heavy, or completely absent. Checking that your cycle is standard is one method of early detection of ovarian cysts. Additionally, if you have pain in your stomach right after beginning or ending your cycle, this too might be an early indication that a cyst might have developed.

Just remember, in many cases, there simply are no signs. They appear for no good reason. You may also have a genetic disposition to cysts. So have your health practitioner watch it and do not worry.

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To support the writing of useful articles about women, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about women. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.

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