Ovarian cysts are  common occurrences. Many women have ovarian cysts at some time. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority disappears without treatment within a few months. Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous but are benign. It is important to know which cysts require treatment and which do not.

Ovarian cysts :

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs seen in ovaries. They may vary in size and characters.

Symptoms:

Most ovarian cysts asymptomatic. They are diagnosed as incidental findings during imaging studies.

However the common symptoms of ovarian cysts are:

1. Irregular periods: May cause irregular bleeding, continuous bleeding, excessive bleeding during periods, delayed periods, or reduced bleeding.
2. Pain during periods
3. Pain lower abdomen
4. Loss of apetite,, feeling of fullness, bloating which happens in large tumours.
5. Feeling  of heaviness or mass in lower abdomen.
6. Feeling of frequent urination, sensation of incomplete urination, changes in bowel habits.
7. Pain during intercourse.

What’s the cause for ovarian cyst?

The cause for ovarian cyst is still not known. However some factors increase risk of ovarian cysts:

• Hormonal problems. Many hormonal imbalances including hormonal treatment for infertility.
• Pregnancy. Sometimes, the cyst that forms when you ovulate stays on your ovary throughout your pregnancy.
• Endometriosis. This condition causes uterine endometrial cells to grow outside your uterus. Some of the tissue can attach to your ovary and form a growth.
• A severe pelvic infection. If the infection spreads to the ovaries, it can cause cysts.
• A previous ovarian cyst. If you’ve had one, you’re likely to develop more.

Most common cysts of ovary are functional cysts which occurs during the cycles of ovulation. These cysts are generally treated by oral contraceptive pills or just by observing them over period of time.

Another common finding which are confused with ovarian cysts are polycystic ovaries. Polycystic ovaries are not ovarian cysts but are different entities.

Chocolate cysts are associated with endometriosis usually present with severe pain during periods

Dermoid cysts. Also called teratomas, these can contain tissue, such as hair, skin or teeth, because they form from embryonic cells. They’re rarely cancerous
Cystadenomas. These develop on the surface of an ovary and might be filled with a watery or a mucous material.

Diagnosis:

Ultrasound, CT scan and MRI scan are done

Tumour markers are done in ovarian cysts in addition to the imaging studies to know their nature.

The tumour markers are:

1. CA 125

2 CEA

3. Alpha feto protein

4. LDH

5. Beta HCG

If you have an ovarian cyst or develop symptoms see your doctor. Also it is important to have regular check ups and routine tests.