Complex Ovarian Cysts
Many women experience ovarian cysts at some point in their lives. They usually do not need to be treated because they are often harmless. However, complex ovarian cysts are less common and more cause for concern.
Complex ovarian cysts are different than simple ones in that they can consist of both solid and liquid matter. The three common types of complex ovarian cysts are dermoid cysts, endometiomas, and cystdenomas.
The ova, cells that form human eggs, can develop a form of complex ovarian cyst called a dermoid cyst. Dermoid cysts can contain hair, teeth, and/or skin; this is because they have the potential to become any kind of tissue in a human since they are non-differentiated cells. While they are usually non-cancerous, dermoid cysts can become very large and result in pain by causing the ovaries to become twisted.
Some women with endometriosis can develop a form of complex ovarian cyst known as endometrioma. The effect of such a cyst is a growth of uterine cells outside of the uterus which usually clings to an ovary and grows over the course of several menstrual cycles.
Endometrioma can grow in size to that comparable with a grapefruit. They may be caused in part by genetics. Symptoms include pain before and after menstruating, pain during intercourse, fatigue, pain upon voiding, pain with bowel movements, and menstrual periods that are irregular.
Cystadenomas are complex ovarian cysts that develop from ovarian tissue. Filled with liquid, cystadenomas can become twisted in the ovary and causing severe pain. Cystadenomas are divided into two types. A serous cystadenoma is filled with a thin fluid, and is known to develop to be between 2 inches to 6 inches in diameter.
In contrast, a mucinous cystadenoma is filled with a sticky, thick liquid that resembles gelatin. A mucinous cystadenoma can become between 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter.
Though complex ovarian cysts often produce painful, noticeable symptoms as they become large, these symptoms can resemble the symptoms of endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy. However, individuals with complex ovarian cysts often experience pelvic pain, before and after their monthly period and during sexual intercourse.
They may also have menstrual irregularities such as an absent period or abnormal bleeding. Other symptoms for complex ovarian cysts resemble symptoms of pregnancy, such as tenderness in the breasts, vomiting, and nausea. Severe abdominal and pelvic pain requires medical attention.
Doctors often diagnose women with ovarian cysts through a manual pelvic examination. They also use pelvic ultrasounds on a frequent basis to support their diagnosis. In order to rule out a pregnancy, doctors often require that women undergo a pregnancy test as well as a blood test.
It is important that individuals take the diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst seriously, contacting their doctors whenever they experience severe pain in the abdomen and pelvic area.
A woman’s age and symptoms are sometimes considered in making a diagnosis of complex ovarian cysts. Although not all ovarian cysts are cancerous, complex ovarian cysts must be tested to rule out cancer and to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
