Information on Ovarian Cyst Types

July 4, 2008 – 8:19 pm
by Jay Tyler

Functional ovarian cysts are a fairly common problem among women and should usually not be a cause for concern. Most ovarian cysts do not lead to or indicate cancer. Though some cysts may cause discomfort and others may require some treatment, the majority of functional ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and do not require treatment.

When ovulation does not happen, or when a mature follicle breaks down, a simple form of ovarian cyst may form, called a follicular cyst. This cyst can become as large as 2 or more inches in diameter, but will usually disappear by itself after only a few months, and will usually show no symptoms.

A corpus luteum cyst can result when the ovarian gland produces progesterone during ovulation and a egg is released as the menstrual cycle progresses. A round gland called the corpus luteum is filled with fluid and about a inch in diameter when healthy and functioning properly. Generally they appear in the early months or pregnancy or even just at the end of the menstrual cycle and are asymptomatic, healing on their own without symptoms and may never even be noticed.

A hemorrhagic cyst is a type of functional ovarian cyst that contains or releases blood. Though these cysts don’t always burst, when they do burst they leak blood and cause a burning sensation across the pelvic area. However, hemorrhagic cysts are fairly common and do not normally require treatment. Doctors may surgically remove hemorrhagic cysts when they think it indicates the presence of endometriosis.

Women can develop dermoid cysts at any time and age, but dermoid cysts are a higher risk during the childbearing years. A dermoid cyst is one type of an ovarian cyst that grows from the totipotential germ cell in the ovaries. Tissues such as bone, teeth and hair can form from this ovarian cell. Dermoid cysts may contain solid physical tissue. Sometimes doctors find hair and teeth forming in these cysts. They are commonly removed because they may block the flow of blood to the ovaries.

Endometriosis and tumors are covered under pathological ovarian cysts. While rare, this type of ovarian cyst can only be properly diagnosed after a thorough exam by a doctor. Pathological ovarian cysts can be found in both their benign, non-cancerous form and malignant, cancerous forms. Quick treatment is the best solution once a tumor has been found being that they can be rather persistent, swollen and have a thick exterior’s. The other end of the spectrum is the endometrioid cyst caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis is when a small piece of endometrial tissue bleeds, falls off and moves to the inside of the ovaries where it reattaches itself. The prime reproductive years in a womans life is when this generally happens, but pathological cysts are still much less common then functional cysts.

The different types of ovarian cysts must be diagnosed and treated appropriately. However, all women should speak to their doctors about ovarian cysts in order to be properly informed and guard their health.

About the Author:
Do you want to learn more about the Types of Ovarian Cysts? Please read this page for more information, so you don’t suffer needlessly.

Tags:


Related Posts


Print This Article : Print This Article :

Post a Comment