What Should You Do For A Complex Ovarian Cyst ?

Many women experience ovarian cysts. In most cases, these cysts are harmless and are as likely to disappear as quickly as they appeared without resorting to any kind of treatment. With this said, more complex ovarian cysts can develop and while they are less common can represent more of a concern to a women’s health. 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.

Endometrioma is a type of complex ovarian cyst resulting from the condition of endometriosis. A woman with this condition have uterine cells that grow outside of the uterus, often attaching themselves to an ovary and forming a growth after a series of menstrual cycles. Endometrial cysts can grow until they become as large as a grapefruit. Endometriosis may be partly genetic. It is marked by pain before and after menstrual periods and during sex, as well as fatigue, pain with urination and bowel movements, and irregular menstrual periods.

Cystadenomas fall within the category of the complex ovarian cyst. They can cause intense pain if they become tangled in the ovary. There are two different types of Cystadenomas. A serous cystadenoma is generally somewhere between 2 to 6 inches in diameter and is filled with a thin liquid. A mucinous cystadenoma, on the other hand, is filled with a gluey, thick gelatinous liquid. The size of a mucinous cystadenoma can be anywhere from 6 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.

The diagnosis for complex ovarian cysts is generally done via a manual pelvic examination from your health care provider. Another method is to use pelvic ultrasounds on a frequent basis to support the original diagnosis. The initial examination requires that the women undergo a pregnancy test as well as a blood test to rule out pregnancy as a possible reason for the symptoms. It is important that individuals take the diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst seriously, contacting their health care provider whenever they experience severe pain in the abdomen and pelvic area.

When ovarian cysts are found to be complex, these cysts must be evaluated for cancer. Although not all complex ovarian cysts are cancerous, doctors must rule this out through a series of tests. Often medical professionals take the individual’s age and symptoms into account when making their final diagnosis.