For women, it is really necessary to know and of course understand what is meant by ovarian cysts.
Ovarian cysts are masses in the form of fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries or on their surface, these masses can be small or large, cystic or solid, benign or malignant. Normal women have two ovaries that are about the size and shape of an almond - on each side of the uterus. Egg cells (ovum), which develop and mature in the ovaries, are released in monthly cycles during the years of childbearing age.
Ovarian cyst = Tumor
Ovarian cysts are the most common tumor with a prevalence exceeding 30% and a malignancy potential of only 2%. Most common occurrence at the age of 20-40 years. Most ovarian cysts cause little or no discomfort and are harmless. Most disappear without treatment within a few months.
However, if the ovarian cyst is large, persistent and symptomatic (eg causing pain), then further examination is necessary to determine the type of cyst and any complications that may occur, such as cyst rupture which can cause bleeding and ovarian torsion. In these cases surgical therapy such as removal of cysts and even ovaries may be needed . Currently RS. EMC Tangerang continues to develop and be at the forefront of obstetrics and gynecology services which of course can handle removal of these cysts more safely and with techniques that can make patients recover faster
Women should also know the types of cysts, including:
- Physiological Ovarian Cyst
- Follicular cyst and luteal cyst
- Pathological Ovarian Cyst
- Benign: Cystadenoma, Teratoma, Endometrioma
- Malignant: Ovarian Cancer
So, know the risk factors, including:
- Nullipara
- Giving birth for the first time over the age of 35 years
- Hormonal disturbances
- endometriosis
- Severe Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Prior history of ovarian cysts
CAUSE:
Your ovaries normally grow cyst-like structures called follicles every month. Follicles produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and release an egg when you ovulate. If a normal monthly follicle continues to grow, it is known as a functional cyst.
There are two types of functional cysts:
- Follicular cyst. Around the midpoint of your menstrual cycle, the egg bursts out of its follicle and travels down the fallopian tube. Follicular cysts begin when a follicle doesn't rupture or release its egg, but continues to grow.
- Corpus luteum cyst. When the follicle releases its egg, it starts producing estrogen and progesterone for fertilization. This follicle is now called the corpus luteum. Sometimes, fluid builds up inside the follicle, causing the corpus luteum to grow into a cyst.
Functional cysts are usually harmless, rarely cause pain, and often go away on their own within two or three menstrual cycles.
Types of cysts that are not related to the normal functioning of your menstrual cycle include:
- Dermoid cyst / teratoma, this can contain tissue, such as hair, skin or teeth, because it is formed from embryonic cells. They are rarely cancerous.
- Grows on the surface of the ovary and contains mucus.
- As a result of a condition in which uterine endometrial cells grow outside of your uterus (endometriosis). Some of the tissue can attach to your ovary and result in an Endometrioma cyst.
If you experience one or several of the following conditions, then immediately consult a doctor, including:
- Pelvic pain — dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen on the side of the cyst
- A feeling of fullness or heaviness in your stomach
- Bloating
- Sudden and severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
- Signs of shock such as cold and clammy skin, fast breathing, dizziness or weakness
Early examination can be done at RS.EMC Tangerang with complete equipment, including:
- Gynecological examination. Ovarian cysts can be diagnosed with a pelvic exam. Depending on the size and type of cyst (solid, liquid or mixed) ovarian cysts require other investigations such as:
- Pregnancy test. If positive, chances are a corpus luteum cyst.
- Pelvic ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. Can locate the cyst, help identify its location and determine if it is solid, filled with fluid or mixed.
- Apart from diagnosing ovarian cysts, this procedure can remove ovarian cysts at the same time.
- CA125 blood test. Often increased in women with ovarian cancer. Elevated CA 125 levels can also occur in non-cancerous conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Therapy for treating this cyst can be done with various alternatives which of course will be chosen according to the age, type and size of the cyst and symptoms.
- In most cases, you can wait and be re-examined to see if the cyst goes away in a few months
- Drugs. Such as hormonal contraception / birth control pills, to prevent ovarian cysts from recurring. However, birth control pills will not shrink an existing cyst.
- Operations in conventional ways such as Laparotomy / Open Surgery or minimal surgery with Laparoscopy
- Surgery is needed if the cyst is large > 5cm, the ovarian cyst is complex, does not shrink within 2-3 months or causes pain, and ovarian cysts that arise during menopause.
Type of surgery: Only the cyst was removed (ovarian cystectomy). Removing part or all of the ovaries (oophorectomy).
If the cystic mass is cancerous, you will be referred to a gynecological cancer specialist. In this case, it is necessary to remove the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes (total hysterectomy) and the organs where the child has spread cancer, after which chemotherapy or radiation can be continued.
Be aware of the possibility of complications, namely:
- Malignancy: Cystic ovarian masses that develop after menopause may be cancerous (malignant).
- Ovarian torsion: Cysts that enlarge, increase the chance of painful twisting of the ovary (ovarian torsion).
- Rupture of an ovarian cyst causes severe pain and internal bleeding.
Maintaining health is very important, a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise can certainly help maintain the health of our bodies. If you experience conditions like those mentioned above, entrust your health services to the hospital. EMC Tangerang.
For information, contact Ekha Sembiring at 0878-8989-0102 (SMS/WA/Call).
Article written by dr. Aries Joe, Sp.OG, DMAS (Obstetric Obstetrician, Tangerang EMC Hospital).