Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
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 these 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.
Ovarian Cysts - Symptoms at Onset of DiseaseQuestion: The symptoms of ovarian cysts can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
Abdominal pain is pain in the belly and can be acute or chronic. Causes include inflammation, distention of an organ, and loss of the blood supply to an organ. Abdominal pain can reflect a major problem with one of the organs in the abdomen such as the appendix, gallbladder, large and small intestine, pancreas, liver, colon, duodenum, and spleen.
There are many types of ovarian cancer, epithelial carcinoma is the most common. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. Some ovarian cancer symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abnormal vaginal bleeding, however, they usually do not present until the disease has progressed. Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment.
Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, and wear and tear can cause cysts. Though some cysts may be palpable, others may not produce any symptoms. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the cyst.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms including irregular or no menstrual periods, acne, obesity, and excess hair growth. Treatment of PCOS depends partially on the woman's stage of life and the symptoms of PCOS.
Internal bleeding occurs when an artery or vein is damaged and blood to escapes the circulatory system and collects inside the body. Internal bleeding can be caused by a variety of situations such as blunt trauma, deceleration trauma, medications, fractures, and spontaneous bleeding. Treatment of internal bleeding depends on the cause of the bleeding.
Sexual dysfunction refers to a problem that arises during any phase of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. Physical, medical, and psychological conditions may affect sexual functioning, resulting in inhibited sexual desire, inability to become aroused, lack of orgasm, and painful intercourse. Treating the underlying physical and psychological problems usually resolves most female sexual problems.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
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