It is quite common for women to develop cysts on or in their ovaries. Cysts are growths that are similar to blisters in that they are usually filled with water within a sac. For the most part, these cysts are totally harmless and require no medical treatment or action. These benign cysts are non-cancerous and often disappear on their own. However, there are types of ovarian cysts that can be cancerous so it is important to have a definitive diagnosis from a doctor.
Sometimes, a woman may not know they have a cyst until a routine well-woman exam detects it. However, some women exhibit symptoms from cysts that can disrupt daily activities such as pelvic pain, menstrual abnormalities, abdominal swelling and even painful intercourse. Two main types of ovarian cysts exist: functional and abnormal. These two types can be broken down further into several subtypes, depending on the symptoms, primary cause and characteristics of the cyst.
Functional Cysts
As the most common type, functional cysts are not due to abnormal cell growth but simple deviations in the way an ovary normally functions. There are two subtypes of functional cysts - luteal and follicular - which are named after the part of the menstrual cycle in which they appear. The first half of the cycle may present follicular cysts while the second half may present luteal cysts.
Follicular cysts on the ovaries occur when the egg is not released on schedule by the follicle. Instead, the follicle grows larger, filling with fluid. This type of cyst normally is not painful and presents few symptoms and is detectable usually by ultrasound.
With luteal cysts, the egg releases normally at ovulation. Once the egg is released the split follicle forms the corpus luteum which emits progesterone, preparing for pregnancy. However, when the egg isn't fertilized by sperm, the corpus luteum shrivels with a drop in progesterone and results in menstruation. However, if the corpus luteum does not shrivel, it forms a luteal cyst and fills with blood.
Abnormal Cysts
Abnormal cysts consist of irregular cell growth but not all of them are cancerous. Some can be benign but cause a variety of symptoms but the medical community is not sure what causes irregular cell growth. Some of these abnormal cysts can remain for years with no outward effects while others grow and burst, requiring surgery and treatment.
There are several abnormal types of ovarian cysts such as endometrial cysts, cystadenoma cysts, polycystic ovaries and dermoid or teretoma cysts. Endometrial cysts occur when the lining inside the womb starts to grow in other parts of the body, particularly the ovaries. Cystadenoma cysts grow from cells that are present on the outside ovary surface. They can become quite large and remain attached to the ovary by a stalk or offshoot. While cystadenomas may not necessarily cause pain or symptoms, if they twist or burst, they can, prompting surgery.
Dermoid cysts or teratomas are quite strange as they can contain bits of teeth, bone or body tissue. These can become cancerous if left untreated. Polycystic ovaries occur when the ovaries become riddled with small cysts and produce hormonal imbalances. Actually these cysts are not really cysts, but tiny egg follicles that have become affected.
Understanding the different cysts that can develop on ovaries will lead to a better grasp on the questions to ask the doctor about treatment options and testing. Instead of assuming the worst and picturing cancer, become armed with information and know that a cyst is not necessarily a death sentence.
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