A cyst on the ovary is a small sac that sometimes grows in a woman's ovary and is filled with non-toxic fluid. It can be seen clearly using ultrasound technology, and it resembles an air bubble. This article is intended to answer basic questions you may have about ovarian cysts: what is an ovarian cyst, how dangerous is a cyst on the ovary, what is a ruptured cyst on the ovary, and what are the types of ovary cysts.
Normally there is no pain in the ovaries that accompanies these cysts. When you have an ovarian cyst, you usually aren't aware of it. Generally speaking, an ovarian cyst is discovered by your doctor in the course of a routine examination. An ovary cyst typically heals by itself without treatment in several weeks. But there are exceptions, as noted below.
One of those exceptions is a ruptured cyst. A rupture occurs when an ovarian cyst gets bigger and bigger until the sac becomes so full that it bursts and the fluid inside begins to seep out. This causes irritation in the lining of the pelvis, which results in ovary pain. A ruptured cyst is a serious medical emergency. Surgical intervention may be necessary.
There are many different kinds of ovary cysts and a woman can get one of these types almost anytime during her life. But they occur most often during the childbearing years. In most instances, ovarian cysts are not connected to any disease, but sometimes cysts become malignant.
The following types of ovarian cysts are non-cancerous. It should be noted that a woman can develop more than one type.
Follicular - When a mature follicle collapses on itself, the process is known as involution, causing a follicular cyst. This is more likely to happen during ovulation than at other times. It can grow to a little more than two inches in diameter. When this type of ovarian cyst ruptures, it can cause severe ovary pain. Due to the fact that this discomfort often occurs during ovulation, it's sometimes called mittelschmerz or mid-pain. Pain is likely to occur in approximately one woman in four who has a follicular cyst. But follicular cysts usually disappear by themselves in a matter of a few months.
Corpus luteum cyst - When the follicle releases an egg, the egg becomes known as a corpus luteum, meaning yellow body. The role of the corpus luteum is to help produce hormones which are critical to becoming pregnant. When pregnancy doesn't occur, the corpus luteum breaks down and disappears. But there are times when the corpus luteum stays in the ovary and fills with blood. Usually, this happens on only one side. There are no symptoms.
Hemorrhagic cyst - When bleeding occurs inside a cyst, it's defined as a hemorrhagic cyst. This type may cause ovary pain on one side of the body.
Dermoid cyst - These are generally considered to be an unusual kind of cyst on the ovary. These are found more often in younger women. They can grow to be unusually large - up to six inches. It typically contains a fat-like material. A dermoid cyst will occasionally become inflamed, causing severe ovary pain.
Endometriomas or endometrioid cysts - When a woman has endometriosis, this type of cyst on the ovary may occur. It typically occurs during child-bearing years, and can trigger chronic pelvic pain. Endometrioid cysts are sometimes called chocolate cysts because they're filled with dark, reddish-brown blood.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome - This ailment is better known by its initials - PCOS. It is also called polycystic ovary syndrome or disease, and it occurs when many cysts begin to grow on an ovary or ovaries. Women are more likely to have PCOS during their reproductive years. If untreated, it can have a negative effect on the ability to conceive. At this time, we don't know exactly what causes PCOS, but research indicates that approximately 1 woman in 20 is affected.
Cystadenoma - This disorder is characterized by a non-malignant tumor made up of tissue from an ovary. It is sometimes filled with a type of material that resembles mucus. A cystadenoma can grow as large as a foot or more in diameter.
