Ovarian Cysts (cont.)
How are ovarian cysts treated?
Most ovarian cysts in women of childbearing age are follicular cysts (functional
cysts) that disappear naturally in one to three months. Although they can rupture
(usually without ill effects), they rarely cause symptoms. They are benign and
have no real medical consequence. They may be diagnosed coincidentally during a
pelvic examination in women who do not have any related symptoms. All women have
follicular cysts at some point that generally go unnoticed.
A follicular cyst in a woman of childbearing age is usually observed for a few
menstrual cycles because the cysts are common, and ovarian cancer is rare in this age group.
Sometimes ovarian cysts in menstruating women contain some
blood, called hemorrhagic cysts, which frequently resolve quickly.
Ultrasound is used to determine the treatment strategy for ovarian cysts because
it can help to determine if the cyst is a simple cyst (just fluid with no solid
tissue, seen in benign conditions) or a compound cyst (with some solid tissue that
requires closer monitoring and possibly surgical resection).
In summary, the ideal treatment of ovarian cysts depends on the woman's age, the
size (and any change in size) of the cyst, and the cyst's appearance on ultrasound.
Treatment can consist of simple observation, or it can involve evaluating blood
tests such as a CA-125 to help determine the potential for cancer (keeping in
mind the many limitations of CA-125 testing described above).
The tumor can be surgically removed either with
laparoscopy, or if needed, an
open laparotomy (using an incision at the bikini line) if it is causing severe
pain, not resolving, or if it is suspicious in any way. Once the cyst
is removed, the growth is sent to a pathologist who examines the tissue under a
microscope to make the final diagnosis as to the type of cyst present.
Next: Ovarian Cysts At A Glance »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Ultrasound - Learn about the ultrasound imaging examination, purpose of the procedure, preparation and results on MedicineNet.com Source:MedicineNet
- Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure. Source:MedicineNet
- Laparoscopy - Learn about the laparoscopy (laparoscopic surgery) procedure used to treat digestive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract on MedicineNet.com Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic
- Read 37 more Ovarian Cysts related articles ...
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