Ovarian cyst
Encyclopedia : O : OV : OVA : Ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid within the ovary. Some of these, called functional cysts, are part of the normal process of menstruation. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about 2 centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. Specific types of cyst include graafian follicles (which may rupture at mid-cycle and cause mittelschmerz) or corpus luteum cysts (which may rupture about the time of menstruation, and take up to three months to disappear entirely). Other cysts are pathological, such as those found in polycystic ovary syndrome, or those associated with tumors.
Symptoms
- Dull pain in the lower abdomen or discomfort
- Fullness or bloating
- Pain during sexual intercourse, masturbation or exercise
- Irregular periods or spotting
- Change in frequency of urination or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy
- Fatigue
Treatment
About 95% of ovarian cysts are benign; those that persist beyond two or three menstrual cycles, or occur in post-menopausal women may indicate more serious disease and should be investigated through ultrasonography and laproscopy, especially in cases where other family members have had ovarian cancer. Such cysts may require surgical biopsy. Additionally, a blood test may be taken before surgery to check for elevated CA-125, a tumor marker, which is often found in increased levels in ovarian cancer, although it can also be elevated by other conditions resulting in a large number of false positives.External links
- [Current research on ovarian cysts]
- [Ovarian Cysts]
- [Ovarian cysts - a patient's guide]
- [NHS Encyclopaedia Topic: Ovarian cyst]
- [CA-125 - U.S. National Library of medicine]
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