Posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 19:18:11
In reply to Re: Wondering what now - extreme solution? » Kath, posted by Phillipa on November 22, 2008, at 19:05:04
Kath just a bit of info hope your're not pregnant just kidding. Love Phillipa
Ovarian cysts
Contents of this page:
Illustrations
Alternative Names
Definition
Causes
Symptoms
Exams and Tests
Treatment
Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Prevention
Illustrations
Female reproductive anatomy
Ovarian cysts
Uterus
Uterine anatomy
Alternative Names Return to top
Physiologic ovarian cysts; Functional ovarian cysts
Definition Return to topAn ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid or a semisolid material that develops on or within an ovary.
Causes Return to top
Typically, ovarian cysts are functional (not disease related) and occur as a normal process of ovulation. During the days before ovulation, a follicle grows. But at the time of expected ovulation, the follicle fails to break open and release an egg, as it is supposed to. Instead, the fluid within the follicle remains and forms a cyst.
Functional, or physiological, ovarian cysts usually disappear within 8 - 12 weeks without treatment. They are relatively common, and are more common during a woman's childbearing years (puberty to menopause). Ovarian cysts are rare after menopause.
No known risk factors have been identified.
Functional ovarian cysts are not the same as ovarian tumors (including ovarian cancer) or cysts due to hormone-related conditions such as polycystic ovarian disease. Some non-functional ovarian cysts must be treated to go away.
Symptoms Return to top
An ovarian cyst can cause pain if it pushes on nearby structures, ruptures, or bleeds. Pain may also occur if the cyst is twisted or causes twisting (torsion) of the fallopian tube. Symptoms of ovarian cysts can include:
Pelvic pain -- constant, dull aching
Pain with intercourse or pelvic pain during movement
Pain during bowel movements
Pelvic pain shortly after beginning or ending a menstrual period
Abnormal uterine bleeding (change from normal menstrual pattern)
Longer than usual menstrual cycle
Shorter than usual menstrual cycle
Absent menstruation
Irregular menstruation
Abdominal bloating or swelling
Note: Often no symptoms are noted.Exams and Tests Return to top
Pelvic exam -- may reveal an ovarian enlargement or a cyst
Ultrasound -- usually done first
CT scan
MRI
Doppler flow studies
Blood tests may be ordered:Serum HCG (pregnancy test) -- may be done to rule out pregnancy
Ca-125 -- an ovarian cancer marker that may help to identify cancerous cysts in older women
Hormone levels (such as LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone) -- may be checked to evaluate for associated hormonal conditions
Treatment Return to topFunctional ovarian cysts usually go away without treatment. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may be prescribed to help establish normal cycles and decrease the development of functional ovarian cysts.
Simple ovarian cysts that are larger than 5 - 10 centimeters and complex ovarian cysts that persist should be surgically removed. Laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy can be used.
Other medical treatment may be recommended if other disorders are found to be the cause of ovarian cysts, such as polycystic ovary disease.
Possible Complications Return to top
Complications are related to the specific diagnosis. Concern is given to cysts that twist, rupture, bleed, or show signs of cancerous changes.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst.
Prevention Return to top
If a woman is not seeking pregnancy and develops functional cysts frequently, they can be prevented by taking hormonal medications (such as birth control pills), which prevent follicle formation.
Update Date: 6/20/2006Updated by: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the
poster:Phillipa
thread:864146
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/health/20080428/msgs/864757.html