Ovarian cyst | |
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A simple ovarian cyst of most likely follicular origin | |
Specialty | Gynecology |
Symptoms | None, bloating, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain[1] |
Complications | Rupture, twisting of the ovary[1] |
Types | Follicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst, cysts due to endometriosis, dermoid cyst, cystadenoma, ovarian cancer[1] |
Diagnostic method | Ultrasound[1] |
Prevention | Hormonal birth control[1] |
Treatment | Conservative management, pain medication, surgery[1] |
Prognosis | Usually good[1] |
Frequency | 8% symptomatic before menopause[1] |
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac within the ovary.[1] They usually cause no symptoms,[1] but occasionally they may produce bloating, lower abdominal pain, or lower back pain.[1] The majority of cysts are harmless.[1][2] If the cyst either breaks open or causes twisting of the ovary, it may cause severe pain.[1] This may result in vomiting or feeling faint,[1] and even cause headaches.
Most ovarian cysts are related to ovulation, being either follicular cysts or corpus luteum cysts.[1] Other types include cysts due to endometriosis, dermoid cysts, and cystadenomas.[1] Many small cysts occur in both ovaries in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).[1] Pelvic inflammatory disease may also result in cysts.[1] Rarely, cysts may be a form of ovarian cancer.[1] Diagnosis is undertaken by pelvic examination with a pelvic ultrasound or other testing used to gather further details.[1]
Often, cysts are simply observed over time.[1] If they cause pain, medications such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen may be used.[1] Hormonal birth control may be used to prevent further cysts in those who are frequently affected.[1] However, evidence does not support birth control as a treatment of current cysts.[3] If they do not go away after several months, get larger, look unusual, or cause pain, they may be removed by surgery.[1]
Most women of reproductive age develop small cysts each month.[1] Large cysts that cause problems occur in about 8% of women before menopause.[1] Ovarian cysts are present in about 16% of women after menopause, and, if present, are more likely to be cancerous.[1][4]
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