An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in or on the ovary. The diagnosis often comes as a surprise, although such formations are very common, and in most women they resolve on their own within a few months. Let us look at how a cyst manifests, whether the left side differs from the right, and what exactly the doctor checks.
What an ovarian cyst is and what types exist
The ovaries are two almond-shaped glands on either side of the uterus. About every 28 days, one of them releases an egg and produces estrogen and progesterone. A cyst appears when a cavity with fluid or semi-liquid contents forms in the structure of the organ and the volume of the ovary increases.
There are several types. Functional cysts — follicular and luteal — develop as part of the menstrual cycle, are usually harmless, exist for up to two to three months, and disappear on their own; this is the most common variant. Pathological cysts appear due to abnormal cell growth and are much less common. Endometrioid cysts are distinguished separately as a consequence of endometriosis, as are cystic tumors. The vast majority of cysts are benign; malignant ones are rare, and the risk is higher after menopause.
Ovarian cyst symptoms: pain, abdominal bloating, discharge
Most often a cyst does not manifest in any way. If symptoms are present, they may include pressure and fullness, bloating and abdominal enlargement, a feeling of fullness after a small portion of food, frequent urges to urinate, and difficulty with bowel movements. Pain is usually in the lower abdomen on the side where the cyst is located: from dull heaviness to aching pain that intensifies during intercourse. Menstruation becomes heavier, lighter, or irregular, and there may be a delay.
Discharge is not named a typical sign of a cyst; it, like a delay in menstruation or uterine bleeding, should be reported to a doctor.
Left and right ovarian cysts: is there a difference in manifestations
No separate signs that would distinguish a left cyst from a right one have been described: pain is more often felt in the lower abdomen on the side where the formation is located. The formation may appear in one ovary or in both at once. There is one notable reference point — the location of the pain: it is felt in the lower abdomen on the side where the cyst is located, so with a left ovarian cyst there is a pulling sensation on the left, and with a right one, on the right.
Why a cyst may cause no symptoms
Most cysts are small, and they are discovered incidentally — during a gynecological examination or on an ultrasound performed for another reason. Symptoms appear only if the formation has ruptured, become very large, or twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the ovary.
How a cyst is diagnosed: examination and ultrasound
The doctor may palpate a space-occupying formation during an examination, but the diagnosis is made by ultrasound, usually using a probe inserted into the vagina. Based on ultrasound features, the specialist suggests the type of cyst. If a formation is found, a repeat ultrasound is done after a few weeks or the patient is referred to a gynecologist. If malignancy is suspected, a blood test for tumor markers is ordered: an elevated level by itself does not mean cancer; it also occurs with endometriosis, pelvic inflammation, fibroids, and during menstruation.
- gynecological examination;
- ultrasound with a vaginal probe;
- repeat ultrasound after a few weeks;
- blood test for tumor markers if cancer is suspected.
Complications and warning signs: when to see a doctor urgently
Torsion and rupture are dangerous. With torsion, the cyst cuts off the blood supply to the ovary, and rupture may be accompanied by bleeding — then medical help is needed immediately. Dermoid cysts are more prone to torsion, luteal cysts to rupture, and rupture of a follicular cyst causes brief pain and is not dangerous to health. With complications, the pain becomes intense, nausea and vomiting appear, it spreads across the abdomen and radiates to the rectum.
An ovarian cyst by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 or 112 are needed if sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen appears, abdominal pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, pain spreads across the entire abdomen and radiates to the rectum.
This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer