The phrase ‘ovarian cyst’ is an emotive one. Ovarian cysts are however common in women especially at the time of menstruation. When menstruating, women will typically develop small egg or fluid-filled cysts around the ovaries. As the menstrual cycle is accomplished, the cysts rupture to release eggs into the fallopian tubes. A number of different factors may contribute to the formation of ovarian cysts and their different types.
A woman’s health may be in danger if cysts are found to be cancerous. Several types of ovarian cysts may be a risk to a woman’s well being. A test for pap smears is required to understand whether a cyst is malignant or not. The kind of cyst that is typically harmless is called a functional cyst. This kind of cyst typically does not generate symptoms. They exist without generating any particular symptoms. However, ovarian cysts can also generate intense pain and suffering as symptoms.
Cysts and the Corpus Luteum
A gland connected to the ovary generates progesterone after an egg has been released in order to help the uterus prepare itself for pregnancy. This gland is the ‘Corpus Luteum’. Corpus Luteums that are in good health are glands that have a diameter of about 1in., are round, and are filled with fluid. In relation to this a cyst as a growth has a diameter of about half an inch.
Cysts that form on the “Corpus Luteum” are typically without symptoms. They may well develop at the end of a woman?s menstrual cycle. The cysts also occur commonly in the early stages of pregnancy. In most cases corpus luteum cysts vanish by themselves without requiring further treatment.
The Hemorrhagic Cyst
A cyst may also be called a ‘hemorrhagic cyst’ if it is a functional cyst that contains or releases blood. These ‘hemorrhagic cysts’ are frequent but they do not necessarily rupture. Typically treatment is not required. Such hemorrhagic cysts fall into the general classification of functional cysts. Most women experience such hemorrhagic cysts at some moments in their life. A generic burning sensation in the pelvic area may occur if there is leaking of blood from a cyst. If endometriosis occurs, then a doctor may recommend surgery. Other names such as blood cyst, hematocysts and hematoceles also exist for hemorrhagic cysts.
Hemorrhagic cysts may well cause pain in the abdomen on each side of the body. They are also likely to cause bleeding and extension of the walls of the ovaries. This may also cause pain. In this case the ovary typically forms blood clots inside. To see these, a Sonogram can be used. Hemorrhagic cysts typically clear up of their own accord. There may be a requirement for surgical intervention. Sometimes they clear up without the requirement for surgery, but if you choose the surgical removal of an ovarian cyst, you should also be aware of the possible complications.
Dermoid Cyst
This type of ovarian cyst typically grows from a germ cell that is found in the ovaries. It is better known as a totipotential germ cell. This is a fundamental cell that contributes to the growth of tissues such as hair, teeth and bones. For this reason, dermoid cysts contain a wide variety of kinds of solid physical tissue. The cyst is typically benign. It generally consists of a variety of tissues comprising those of the thyroid, bones, teeth and hair. When a dermoid cyst grows on a totipotential cell, other cells may also be formed. These then generate mature tissues and structures that can be recognized such as hair, sebaceous secretions, bone, teeth and neutral tissue.
There is no particular age that favours dermoid cysts more than others. This said, it is during childbearing years that the most chance of detecting these cysts exists. Women then have an average age 30. Some fifteen percent of women have ovarian teratomas in their ovaries. Dermoid cysts can have dimensions from 1cm up to 45cm, meaning half an inch up to 17in.
Also known as ovarian teratomas or simply dermoids, dermoid cysts can cause torsion of the ovary and interrupt the supply of blood. An emergency medical situation may happen if the ovary is being twisted because of the cyst. In this case surgery may be necessary. A dermoid cyst rupture will be more likely to happen if the cyst is larger. Problems following the rupture are typically pain and adhesion. It is the patient’s choice whether a dermoid cyst is removed or not. It can be done with laparotomy, which is open surgery, or laparoscopy, which means using a scope.
Different treatments and medications are available in many different places now giving patients a wide choice from which to make a selection. However it is the holistic approach that will bring you the maximum amount of benefits, because poor lifestyle and diet are two of the basic causes of ovarian cysts. A holistic agenda will encompass a major change at the level of cause itself and prepare you much better to fight your ovarian cysts.