Ovarian cyst size is one of the most important parameters used in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. It is a standard operating procedure for medical professionals to measure the size of the cyst once it are detected. Aside from the severity of the condition, the size of the cyst is also indicative of the type of ovarian cyst.
Ovarian cysts usually start out at around half an inch in diameter and will slowly grow in size over time. The size of the cyst has corresponding names to them. Cysts having a maximum size of 2 inches in diameter are called the follicular cyst. Follicular cysts usually occur when ovarian follicles fail to rupture and release eggs and instead, are trapped inside and grow as cysts.
An ovarian cyst growing to a diameter of 2-6 inches is called the hemorrhagic cyst. Aside from the size, they are termed as such because they are also filled with blood. This is one of the most common types of cyst that grow in women. It usually occurs near a blood vessel wall and as it grows, it breaks the vessel, allowing blood to fill the cyst. It is sometimes considered as a functional cyst, which usually occurs during the menstrual period and disappears after the cycle. This type of growth is often accompanied with abdominal pain as it causes the walls of the ovaries to stretch.
The third ovarian cyst size is 17 inches in diameter and is termed as a dermoid cyst. A dermoid cyst in the ovary is a very unusual condition where it contains several kinds of body tissues, from hair, teeth to bone tissues. This condition usually develops when a primary oocyte failed to dislodge from the ovarian sac. Since it is a totipotent kind of cell, it is capable of differentiating into various kinds of body tissues.
The last kind is the multiple cysts, which is named as such for being made out of a clump of smaller sized cysts that can grow five times as big as a normal ovary. This condition is also known as the polycystic ovary. Failure to ovulate is one of the main reasons for its occurrence. This condition is always paired with complex hormonal and organ system problems.
Ovarian cysts are usually detected through pelvic examinations or ultrasounds. Ultrasound, the more sophisticated diagnostic tool compared to the former, makes use of sound waves to produce real-time images of the entire ovary and the actual cyst formation. Ultrasound allows health practitioners to actually see the position of the cyst and determine its size. Now, an even newer diagnostic tool are the Magnetic Resonance Imaging or the MRIs and the CT scans which can give doctors even far more detailed measurement.
When it comes to ovarian cysts or any kind of cystic growth, early detection is very important. The earlier they are diagnosed, the better are your chances of being cured.
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