I am 36 year old and have had a swollen tummy and other symptoms for some time. My GP thinks I have an ovarian cyst. What is this?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. There are two ovaries, shaped like almonds, one located on each side of the uterus. Eggs develop and mature in the ovaries and are released in monthly cycles during your childbearing years. Many women have ovarian cysts at some time during their lives.
The majority of ovarian cysts cause little discomfort and disappear without treatment within a few months. When symptoms occur they may be similar to those of other conditions such as endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy.
But you may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have an ovarian cyst: menstrual irregularities; a dull ache in your lower abdomen radiating to the lower back and thighs: pelvic pain during intercourse; pressure on your bladder leading to difficulty completing urination; fullness or heaviness in the tummy; and nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness.
I am booked to have an ultrasound of my pelvis. Are there any other tests that can be done to detect an ovarian cyst?
A full clinical examination by your doctor may reveal a cyst on the ovary. This is more likely to be detected during an internal pelvic examination. In particular she will establish if the cyst is irregularly shaped, assess its size and composition – is it filled with fluid or does it feel solid?
Other tests that may be used to confirm the diagnosis include a pregnancy test, pelvic ultrasound, and a laparoscopy – where a slim, lighted instrument is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision to examine the ovaries and other organs.
Blood tests may also be performed. Specifically blood levels of a protein called cancer antigen 125 (CA125) may be raised in women with ovarian cancer.
However, elevated CA125 levels may also occur in non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Treatment will depend on your age, the type and size of the cyst.
Options include hormonal treatment to reduce the chance of new cysts developing in future menstrual cycles. If the cyst is large or if it has persisted through a number of menstrual cycles your doctor may suggest that the cyst be removed.
This can be done using traditional open surgery or by means of a laparoscope.
A number of women with an ovarian cyst do not experience any symptoms. However, ovarian cysts – particularly those that have ruptured – sometimes produce serious symptoms
