ovarian cyst

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form inside or on an ovary, which is a part of the female reproductive system. They are common in women and can occur at any age.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are several types of ovarian cysts, including:

• Functional cysts: These are the most common type and usually go away on their own without treatment.
• Benign cysts: These are non-cancerous cysts that can be solid or fluid-filled.
• Malignant cysts: These are cancerous cysts that require medical attention.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

The most common causes of ovarian cysts include:

• Hormonal problems: Hormonal imbalances can lead to the formation of ovarian cysts.
• Ovulation: Ovarian cysts often form during ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

While most ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms, some may experience:

• Bloating
• Pressure or pain in the belly or pelvis

Prevalence and Treatment

Ovarian cysts are very common and usually do not require treatment. However, if a cyst becomes large enough to cause symptoms, medical attention is necessary.

Sources: 1. [1] Ovarian cysts are sacs, usually filled with fluid, in an ovary or on its surface. 2. An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms on or inside an ovary. 3. Overview. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms inside or on an ovary. 4. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. 5. Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid-filled pockets in or on your ovary. 6. Sometimes benign (not cancerous) ovarian cysts can get big enough that they cause symptoms, including: bloating, pressure, or pain in your belly or pelvis that ... 7. The most common causes of ovarian cysts include: Hormonal problems. Functional cysts usually go away on their own without treatment. 8. Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in or on an ovary. They usually form during ovulation, when the ovary releases an egg.

Ovarian Cyst Signs and Symptoms

An ovarian cyst can cause various symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with an ovarian cyst:

• Pelvic pain or a dull ache in the lower belly: This is one of the most common symptoms of an ovarian cyst (2).
• A feeling of fullness (bloating) located in your lower belly: Bloating can be caused by fluid accumulation in the cyst, leading to discomfort and pressure (5).
• Sudden and severe pelvic pain: In some cases, a ruptured cyst or torsion of the ovary can cause sudden and severe pain on one side of the lower abdomen (3).
• Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur due to the intense pain caused by a ruptured cyst or torsion (3, 7).
• Pain in the low back or thighs: Some women may experience pain radiating to their low back or thighs due to referred pain from the ovaries (6).
• Trouble emptying your bladder completely: A large cyst can put pressure on the bladder, making it difficult to urinate (6).
• Pain during sex: In some cases, an ovarian cyst can cause pain during intercourse due to the pressure exerted by the cyst on surrounding tissues (6).

It's essential to seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are severe or accompanied by other concerning signs such as fever, dizziness, or vomiting.

References: (2) - [1] (5) - [4] (3) - [3] (7) - [7] (6) - [6]

Ovarian cysts can be diagnosed through various diagnostic tests, which help confirm the presence and characteristics of the cyst.

• Ultrasound: This imaging procedure uses sound waves to create images of your body's internal organs, including the ovaries. It is a painless and accurate way to monitor an ovarian cyst ([2], [7]). An ultrasound can detect cysts on your ovaries and provide information about their size, shape, and location.
• Pelvic Exam: A routine pelvic exam can help discover ovarian cysts, although it may not always be able to confirm the diagnosis ([3], [6]). If a lump or mass in the ovary is detected during a pelvic examination, further tests are necessary to rule out other conditions.
• Imaging Tests: In addition to ultrasound, other imaging tests like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scanning may be used to diagnose ovarian cysts ([4], [5]). However, MRI is usually preferred over CT scanning for this purpose.

These diagnostic tests can help identify the presence of an ovarian cyst and provide information about its characteristics. If you have any concerns or symptoms related to ovarian cysts, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

References: [1] Not applicable (initial context does not contain relevant information) [2] Context result 2: "Ultrasound: This imaging procedure uses sound waves to create images of your body's internal organs. It can detect cysts on your ovaries, ..." [3] Context result 3: "...A routine pelvic exam can help discover ovarian cysts. However, a pelvic exam..." [4] Context result 4: "Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be used rather than computed tomography (CT) scanning, but ultrasound is usually sufficient." [5] Context result 5: "...Sometimes, an ovarian cyst is found or suspected during a pelvic examination. However, an imaging test is necessary to confirm the diagnosis." [6] Context result 6: "A gynecological examination is necessary to diagnose an ovarian cyst. If a lump or mass in the ovary is detected, further tests are necessary to rule out the..." [7] Context result 7: "...An ultrasound, an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the body, is an accurate and painless way to monitor an ovarian cyst."

Medications for Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts can be treated with various medications, depending on their size and symptoms. Here are some common drug treatments:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate mild to moderate pain associated with ovarian cysts [4][7].
• Hormonal medications: Birth control pills containing hormones like ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate may be prescribed by a healthcare provider to stop ovulation and prevent future cysts from forming [2].
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with ovarian cysts [7][8].

It's essential to note that while these medications can provide relief, they may not be effective in treating the underlying cause of the ovarian cyst. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

References:

• [1] Mar 9, 2023 — Ketoprofen is used for relief of mild to moderate pain and inflammation.
• [2] Generic name: ethinyl estradiol / norgestimate systemic; Brand names: Sprintec, Tri-Sprintec, Estarylla, Mono-Linyah, ...
• [4] Sep 1, 2022 — Over-the-Counter (OTC) Therapies · Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) · Aleve (naproxen) · Tylenol (acetaminophen).
• [7] Feb 24, 2023 — So, as soon as you notice the discomfort linked to ovarian cyst pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as naproxen, acetaminophen, ...
• [8] Home treatments for ovarian cysts · Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can treat ovarian cyst pain, as well as period cramps.

The differential diagnosis of an ovarian cyst encompasses a broad range of possibilities, including both gynecological and non-gynecological etiologies.

Gynecological Causes

• Functional cysts (also known as corpus luteum): These are the most common type of ovarian cyst and can produce hormones. They typically have a mean diameter ≤3 cm.
• Endometriomas: These are cysts filled with endometrial tissue, which can cause pelvic pain and discomfort.
• Tubo-ovarian abscesses: These are collections of pus that form in the fallopian tube and ovary, often as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
• Mature teratomas: Also known as dermoid cysts, these are rare types of ovarian tumors that can contain hair, teeth, or other tissues.
• Serous cystadenomas and mucinous cystadenomas: These are types of epithelial ovarian tumors that can be benign or malignant.

Non-Gynecological Causes

• Ovarian malignancies: These include various types of cancer that originate in the ovary, such as serous adenocarcinoma.
• Metastatic disease: In some cases, an ovarian cyst may be a metastasis from another primary cancer site.
• Other non-gynecological conditions: Such as abscesses or tumors that have spread to the ovaries.

Key Points

• The differential diagnosis of an ovarian cyst is extensive and requires careful consideration of various possibilities.
• Gynecological causes are more common in premenopausal women, while non-gynecological causes may be more likely in postmenopausal women or those with a history of cancer.
• A thorough medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies (such as ultrasound) are essential for accurate diagnosis.

References:

[1] - The differential diagnosis of an adnexal mass includes benign and malignant gynecologic and non-gynecologic etiologies (Table 1). [6] [2] - The ovarian cyst has a broad range of differential diagnoses, broadly classified into gynecological and nongynaecological subcategories. Gynecological. Benign: Functional cyst, endometrioma, tubo-ovarian abscess, mature teratoma, serous cystadenoma, mucinous cystadenoma, para tubal cyst, hydrosalpinx, leiomyomas [9] [3] - The differential diagnosis for adnexal masses is broad. Functional ovarian cyst (corpus luteum) [11] [4] - The differential diagnosis of adnexal masses includes gynecologic and nongynecologic sources. Masses in premenopausal women typically have a gynecologic source (e.g., functional cysts), whereas... [12] [5] - The differential diagnosis varies with age. Although most cystic masses in children are physiologic ovarian cysts or benign tumors, early diagnosis is necessary to reduce the risk of ovarian torsion and to improve the prognosis for children with malignant neoplasms. [13]

Note: The references provided are based on the context information retrieved from a search engine and may not be specific to the current year (2024).