Complex Ovarian Cysts Review
Many women experience ovarian cysts. They usually do not need to be treated because they are usually 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.
A dermoid cyst develops from cells that produce human eggs, known as the ova. Since these are non-differentiated cells that can develop into any human tissue, dermoid cysts can contain a variety of tissue including hair, skin and teeth. Although dermoid cysts can be very painful as they grow larger and twist the ovaries, they are rarely cancerous.
Endometriosis can become a culprit in the growth of another type of complex ovarian cyst, Endometrioma. Uterian cells begin to grow on the outside of the uterus and attach to an ovary, producing a growth after a woman has gone through many menstrual cycles. Generally Endometrial cysts can continue to grow, sometimes becoming as large as grapefruit. Some information suggests that Endometriosis is actually partly due to genetics. Common symptoms include pain during urination and bowel movements, irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, pain before and after menstrual cycles and during intercourse.
Developing from ovarian tissue, cystadenomas are complex ovarian cysts that can be filled mainly with liquid and have a tendency to twist in the ovary producing sever pain. There are two different types of cystadenomas, serous and mucinous. Serous are filled with a thin fluid and are know to grow between 2 and 6 inches in diameter. Mucinous on the other hand have a core of thick, gelatin like liquid and grow 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.
As a general rule, ovarian cysts can usually be diagnosed with a manual pelvic exam by your doctor. Once they have a basic idea of what they are looking for, doctors will ask for a pelvic ultrasound to be preformed to better understand the situation and double check their findings. Pregnancy tests are also common tests to be preformed due to many of the same symptoms of pregnancy and ovarian cysts being similar. Once a diagnosis of complex ovarian cysts has been made it is very important that any time you experience severe pain in the pelvic or abdominal area you contact your doctor right away.
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.
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