Every woman who has started menstruating should have a check-up with her gynaecologist. Unfortunately, many women neglect regular visits, which often results in the late detection of conditions that, if untreated, can lead to fertility problems. Many women struggle with ovarian cysts, which often develop asymptomatically.
Table of contents:
- Reproductive system
- Ovarian cysts - what are they?
- What symptoms should cause concern?
- Ovarian cyst and pregnancy
- Treatment
- Prevention - the key to health
The reproductive system
Thefemale reproductive system, is made up of internal organs (fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina) and external organs (including pubic bulb, labia majora, labia minora). The two ovaries, located on the posterior surface of the uterine broad ligaments. The ovaries resemble flattened ellipses in shape and their size varies between 3 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm. The ovaries play an extremely important role - their function is to produce ova involved in fertilisation and in the production of female sex hormones - including oestrogen and progesterone. Graaf follicles also mature in the ovaries.
Ovarian cysts - what are they?
Ovariancysts develop quite insidiously - they usually do not produce any worrying symptoms that would prompt a woman to go to the doctor. Nearly forty types of cysts have already been described in the medical literature. Usually, the patient becomes aware of a lesion on the ovary during a routine visit to the gynaecologist, following a Medical US examination. On the ultrasound image, cysts resemble 'blisters' that are filled with fluid. In reality, cysts can reach considerable size, which can pose a risk to a woman's health. Ovarian lesions can occur at any age, but most cysts are diagnosed in women of childbearing age. In the ovary, a Graaf's follicle grows during ovulation and reaches a diameter of nearly three centimetres. The follicle ruptures and, consequently, transforms into the corpus luteum, which dies if fertilisation does not occur. Unfortunately, it happens that the Graaf's follicle grows and does not rupture and develops into a cyst. This type of cyst is classified as a functional lesion that does not develop into a neoplastic lesion.
Another group of cysts that occur in women are endometrial cysts, also known as chocolate cysts. These types of cysts are filled with blood and affect women who suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition involving the movement of the endometrium - the endometrium - outside the uterine cavity. Importantly, the endometrium that leaves the uterine cavity behaves in the same way as the typical endometrium, meaning that it is influenced by the hormones that control the menstrual cycle. Consequently, the endometrium outside the uterus also peels off, resulting in blood-filled lesions. Another very dangerous type of cyst is neoplastic lesions. A neoplastic cyst is characterised by a specific ultrasound appearance - their surface looks jagged, uneven, has numerous protrusions and the interior may be divided by numerous chambers, either filled with serous fluid or characterised by a solid, compact structure. Cancer c ysts are also characterised by a strong blood supply, so they grow at a relatively fast rate. There are also cysts known as dermatoid cysts, characterised by the fact that they are filled with fat cells and bone tissue cells from an undeveloped foetus. They are classified as benign neoplastic lesions.
Ovarian cyst, is it dangerous, photo: panthermedia
What symptoms should worry you?
Symptoms that indicate that something wrong is happening are :
- Severe abdominal pain,
- Sudden increase in abdominal circumference,
- Irregular bleeding,
- Constipation,
- Flatulence,
- Frequent urination,
- Syncope.
If you experience any of the symptoms, contact your gynaecologist.
Ovarian cyst and pregnancy
Cysts located on the ovary usually make it difficult to become pregnant. The problem is significant especially in women suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome. However, it is important to remember that an effectively selected form of treatment increases the chances of both getting pregnant and having a successful pregnancy.
Treatment
The method of treatment chosen by the gynaecologist depends primarily on the type of cyst the patient is dealing with. The treatment method is also influenced by the size of the lesion and its rate of growth. Functional cysts are most often treated with hormone therapy. Endometrial cysts are primarily removed surgically, as the risk of a blood-filled cyst rupturing poses a serious risk to the patient's health and life. Dermatoid c ysts are removed surgically. Cancerous c ysts are also recommended for excision, but before doing so - tumour markers are tested and a consultation with an oncologist is carried out. The markers that are recommended to be tested in this situation are :
- CA - 125 marker - a glycoprotein that is a characteristic feature of cancer cells and is found on the surface of the affected cells.
- HE marker - 4- a newly discovered marker for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
- A genetic test that detects mutation of the MLH1 gene and the MSH2 gene.
Lesions that are removed surgically, are most often submitted to laparoscopy - this is the least invasive method, which allows a relatively effective removal of the lesion without having to cut open a large section of the abdominal wall.
Prevention - the key to health
Without preventive ex aminations by a gynaecologist, it will be difficult to detect lesions at an early stage of development. Remember that early detection of lesions - whether of a carcinogenic or non-cancerous nature - gives you the chance of a cure. Visit your gynaecologist at least once a year.
