Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. Women have two ovaries, each about the size and shape of an almond, located on each side of the uterus. Many women have ovarian cysts at some time during their lives. Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless. The majority of ovarian cysts disappear without treatment within a few months.
However, ovarian cysts especially those that have ruptured sometimes produce serious symptoms. A large ovarian cyst can cause abdominal discomfort. If a large cyst presses on your bladder, you may feel the need to urinate more frequently because bladder capacity is reduced.
Symptoms:
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Pelvic pain — a dull ache that may radiate to your lower back and thighs
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Pelvic pain shortly before your period begins or just before it ends
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Pelvic pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
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Pain during bowel movements or pressure on your bowels
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Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness like that experienced during pregnancy
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Fullness or heaviness in your abdomen
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Pressure on your bladder that causes you to urinate more frequently or have difficulty emptying your bladder completely
Test & Diagnosis
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Pelvic ultrasound
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Laparoscopy
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CA 125 blood test
Treatment
Surgery – Large ovarian cysts or cysts that are causing symptoms will usually need to be removed. Doctors sometimes recommend removing cysts even when they are not causing symptoms. This is because it is not always possible to tell what type of cyst it is without closely examining it under a microscope. Removing the cyst also significantly reduces the risk of it becoming cancerous later on.
There are two types of surgery that can be used to remove ovarian cysts. They are:
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Laparoscopy – is a type of keyhole surgery where small cuts are made in your lower abdomen, using tiny surgical tools, the surgeon will remove the cyst through the small cut in your skin. A laparoscopy is the preferred surgical method because it causes less pain and allows you to resume normal activity sooner.
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Laparotomy – a larger cut will be made to give the surgeon better access to the cyst. Depending on the size of the cyst, this may be along your bikini line or in the midline of your tummy.