Numerous women have ovarian cysts and yet remain entirely unaware of them. These cysts vary in size and their impact on the female. Many cysts are harmless, while others can be highly detrimental to a woman’s health. What should a woman know about these fluid-filled sacs, and when should she seek treatment?
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in a woman’s ovaries. Certain cysts are functional and appear during a woman’s menstrual cycle. These cysts rarely cause problems and resolve without intervention. Pathological cysts, in contrast, are complex and may cause problems if left untreated. Size also plays a role in whether a cyst requires treatment, leading many women to wonder, “what is a dangerous size for an ovarian cyst?”
These cysts are prevalent. Most women will have at least one ovarian cyst during their lifetime, although they may not know they have one. Functional cysts are rarely harmful and most commonly occur during a woman’s reproductive years. Postmenopausal women need to seek treatment for any ovarian cyst because they are at higher risk of the cyst being malignant. When evaluating a cyst, doctors look at its size.
Small Cysts
Small cysts measuring less than four centimeters are rarely a cause for concern. They are typically benign, and a woman may not be aware of their presence because they do not cause symptoms or complications. Premenopausal women rarely need treatment for small cysts, although a doctor might recommend monitoring the size with routine ultrasounds to determine whether it is growing. If it does, treatment may be needed to prevent complications.
Medium Cysts
Medium cysts measure between four and six centimeters. Doctors closely watch these cysts to ensure they don’t pose a threat. Many medium-sized cysts are benign, but they may cause discomfort and other symptoms. If the cyst begins growing, additional action is needed.
Large Cysts
Any cyst measuring more than six centimeters must be carefully monitored. Women usually experience symptoms with these cysts and are at higher risk of complications. The doctor may recommend surgery to remove large cysts before they cause ovarian torsion or rupture.
Ovarian Cysts Symptoms that Indicate a Higher Risk of Complications
Women who experience pelvic pain need to see their doctor immediately, especially if this pain comes on suddenly or is severe. The cyst may press on surrounding tissues, bringing about this pain, or it may have ruptured. Ovarian torsion is always a concern when a woman has sudden or severe pelvic pain.
Some women find they are always bloated. They eat very little food and yet feel full. Both are possible signs of an ovarian cyst that is growing. Visit a doctor to receive a diagnosis and ensure that no serious issues are going undetected.
Any unusual vaginal bleeding may be a sign of an ovarian cyst. Anything a woman bleeds between her periods or her periods are heavier than usual, there is cause for concern. Visit a doctor immediately to determine the cause of this bleeding and receive proper treatment.
Complications Seen with Large Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian torsion is a concern with any large ovarian cyst. The ovary twists around surrounding ligaments and cuts off the blood supply. The woman will feel sudden, intense pain in her pelvis and may begin vomiting or experience nausea. Emergency medical intervention is needed to resolve this issue and save the ovary. Without prompt treatment, permanent damage may occur. Torsion is more common with large cysts because of their weight.
A cyst can suddenly rupture and cause internal bleeding. This rupture is accompanied by sharp and sudden pain. Without immediate medical attention, the women might suffer from significant blood loss or develop an infection. Severe abdominal pain and discomfort are often experienced when a cyst ruptures.
Most, but not all, ovarian cysts are benign. No woman wants to delay seeing a doctor only to learn she has advanced cancer. Malignancy risk increases as a woman age and becomes postmenopausal. When a female sees a doctor for an ovarian cyst, it may be challenging to determine whether this cyst is malignant if it has a complex structure or solid areas. Early detection is essential for the best outcome if the cyst is malignant.
Women with ovarian cysts often worry that they won’t be able to become pregnant. The risk of infertility is dependent on the type of cyst and its severity. Ladies should consult their doctors to determine whether this is a concern they need to address.
Treating Ovarian Cysts
Small and uncomplicated cysts are often monitored, particularly in premenopausal women. The doctor may order regular ultrasounds to ensure the cyst isn’t growing or causing symptoms. Functional cysts frequently resolve naturally with no intervention.
If functional cysts recur, the doctor may recommend hormonal treatments to regulate the menstrual cycle. Doing so helps prevent the formation of new cysts. However, hormonal therapies won’t shrink any cysts the woman already has.
If a cyst is large, causes symptoms, or is suspected to be malignant, the doctor will remove it with the help of a laparotomy. They use this procedure to get a better view of the cyst when removing it. Laparoscopy is used for smaller cysts that need to be removed.
Postmenopausal women often find they are subject to more aggressive treatment. Any ovarian cysts following menopause are at an elevated risk of cancer. Early detection and treatment help to reduce the risk of any cancer spreading, leading to better outcomes.
Women who experience recurrent cysts must also be monitored. Doctors may recommend hormonal treatments or lifestyle modifications to manage this condition. Doing so helps reduce the impact of the cysts on the woman’s health and daily life.
Women should see their gynecologists regularly to manage their ovarian health. When cysts are caught early, doctors can intervene quickly. The doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of future cysts and educate women on what to look for so they can seek early treatment. Working together, women and their doctors can minimize the impact of ovarian cysts on women’s lives.
