THE ovaries are two small structures located on either side of the uterus. They produce hormones required for a woman's body function and contain eggs released at ovulation.
An ovarian cyst is a sac or pocket filled with fluid or other tissue that forms on the ovary. It can occur during childbearing age or after menopause.
In most cases, ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve independently. But sometimes they may cause problems and need treatment.
Most ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous). But in rare circumstances a few cysts may turn out to be malignant (cancerous).
For this reason, all cysts should be properly assessed by a gynaecologist.
An ovarian cyst is extremely common. There are a few factors that influence the development of these cysts including age, especially if you have not yet gone through menopause. Cysts are also more likely to form and remain during pregnancy.
You are also more likely to develop cysts if you have had one before.
Medical conditions like endometriosis, hormone problems and medications taken to help with ovulation also influence the development of cysts.
Most cysts are found incidentally during a pelvic examination or imaging test done for other reasons.
Some may cause a dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen while a larger cyst can cause twisting of the ovary and lead to acute lower abdominal pain. Cysts may also bleed or rupture and cause sudden acute abdominal pain.
MANAGING CYSTS
Treatment options depend on the patient's age, type and size of the cyst and symptoms.
Surgery may be needed if the cyst is large or if cancer is a concern. Some cysts can be removed without removing the ovary but in some cases, the removal of the ovary has to be performed.
There is no definitive way to prevent ovarian cysts. However, regular pelvic examinations and pelvic ultrasounds will enable early detection and early treatment can be given if needed, thus preventing complications.
*The writer is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at KPJ Perdana Specialist Hospital.