Ovarian cysts, more common in women of childbearing age, are one of the conditions that many people fear experiencing. While most women who undergo regular checkups may encounter these cysts at some point in their lives, some may not require treatment and may not cause any symptoms, while others can create dangerous situations.
What is a cyst?
Cysts, which are fluid-filled cysts surrounded by a membrane, can form in all tissues of the body. Ovarian cysts are generally harmless. Unlike cysts in other organs, they do not cause symptoms quickly. The most common cause of cyst formation is hormonal imbalance.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
- Menstrual irregularities, spotting, or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation)
- Painful menstruation
- Pain in the groin area
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Swelling in the abdominal area
- Urinary and bowel complaints
- Starting to gain weight
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased hair growth
- inability to conceive
Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts
Diagnosis is usually made during routine examinations and ultrasonography. Factors influencing diagnosis include the patient's age, the size of the mass, whether it is adherent to surrounding tissues, whether it is a pure cyst or a solid structure, and whether there is tenderness. Generally, cysts smaller than 5-6 centimeters that appear as pure cysts are benign. However, depending on the condition of the mass, a decision regarding the treatment process is made after examining tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, hormone tests, and tumor markers in the blood.
Can ovarian cysts become cancerous?
Ovarian cysts are generally benign, but in some cases the likelihood of a cyst being malignant increases.
- Having cysts in both ovaries,
- Cysts that appear in old age,
- Cysts that are attached to the surrounding tissue and have irregular edges and borders,
- The presence of a solid structure alongside a fluid-filled cyst,
- Rapidly growing cysts,
- Cysts that cause fluid accumulation (ascites) in the abdomen,
- Cysts that show elevated levels in blood tests called tumor markers may indicate cancer.
Ovarian Cyst Treatment
If an ovarian cyst causes no symptoms, it is usually monitored without intervention for 6-8 weeks. Most cysts resolve spontaneously within one or two months. There are medical and surgical treatment options for ovarian cysts. Surgery is preferred if there is suspicion of cancer.
Regular gynecological checkups are crucial for detecting asymptomatic cysts.
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