Ovarian cysts, in most cases, are tiny fluid-filled sacs that may develop inside or on the surface of your ovaries during the process of ovulation. They are quite common in women of reproductive ages and usually go away on their own within the next 2-3 menstrual cycles. Interestingly, tiny sized ovarian cysts typically remain asymptomatic and do not cause any problems except a little bloating or a certain fullness around your pelvic area. But, the problem begins when the cyst does not break open naturally and rather starts enlarging.
Ovarian cysts larger than 2.5 cm start causing an abnormal swelling around the abdomen, acute pelvic pain, severe nausea, vomiting, and pain in passing bowels. You might also experience irregular periods, a sudden weight loss, and strange pain during sex. This is when surgical removal of this enlarged cyst becomes necessary. If not diagnosed/ treated on time, the ovarian cyst can also start to affect ovulation, contribute to PCOD (a health condition where the woman’s ovaries have multiple tiny cysts on its surface) and make conception really difficult. In adverse cases, they also run the risk of ovarian rupture, that is- the bursting of the ovaries, or in some stances, ovarian torsions, that is- the twisting of the cysts around its blood supply.
Though ovarian cysts are usually a result of hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, endometriosis or pelvic infections, different types of ovarian cysts form differently. For example,
Functional Cysts: Functional cysts, as the name suggests, are formed as a result of the basic functioning of ovaries. They are of two kinds and are usually benign (non-cancerous) and asymptomatic.
Typically, in a woman’s normal reproductive cycle, her ovaries release around five to twenty eggs (oocytes) enveloped in tiny fluid-filled structures called- follicles. Then, every month as one of these eggs matures, the follicle bursts open, luteinises, and the egg funnels towards the fallopian tube to aid conception. But, the problem begins when this egg-producing follicle does not break open and rather, the ovum inside it slowly degenerates and starts disappearing. Here, while the egg ceases to exist, the sack keeps luteinising and swelling with the fluid. When this fluid-filled sack keeps enlarging instead of breaking open, it forms a follicular cyst.
These cysts usually remain tiny and dissolve naturally within 2-3 menstrual cycles and bear no symptoms or harm. But sometimes, they can grow exponentially and enlarge up to 8cm or more, causing acute pain, nausea and compromising fertility adversely. This makes the surgical intervention (cystectomy) an absolute necessity.
However, these too, are extremely common in women of reproductive ages and typically go away naturally within 2-3 menstrual cycles. But, in rare cases, when they do not get dissolved naturally, they can grow as large from about 8cm to 12 cm and turn extremely painful. Then, surgical removal remains the only solution.
Pathological Cysts: Pathological cysts, as the name suggests, get formed as a result of certain pathologies or abnormalities in the normal function of ovaries. They are primarily of 3 types and typically go away only through a surgical removal (ovarian cystectomy).
Typically, in a normal pregnancy, when a woman’s oocyte (primary germ cell) fertilises with sperm and forms a zygote, its cell multiply and form different tissues and organs of the body. However, not all tissues differentiate into separate kinds and some, rather retain their original ability to turn into any human tissue at any point in time. These undifferentiated cells usually head to ovaries in women (in the female fetus) or testes in men (in the male fetus), to eventually develop into egg or sperm in later years.But the problem begins when they stop being passive, and rather, start to mature and enlarge. Now, since they are composed of the primary germ cell, they can grow exponentially (almost an inch every year) and form fat, skin, hair, tooth, bone, eye- in fact, almost every other human tissue in the body, right inside their sac. They also contain a sebaceous fluid in them that is thick, sticky, and foul-smelling. Though just like other ovarian cysts, tiny dermoid cysts do not cause many symptoms and can be treated conservatively, however, their abnormal growth can cause severe pelvic pain, nausea and vomiting. Also, unlike functional cysts, pathological cysts do not shrink/dissolve naturally and almost always require surgical removal (ovarian cystectomy).
These cysts, just like others, are harmless when tiny, but dangerously infectious and painful when large. Large endometriomas cysts are almost always treatable only by surgical cyst removal and require immediate medical attention.
Follicle cysts
Corpus luteum cysts
Dermoid
Endometriomas
Cystadenomas
Hemorrhagic ovarian cyst
Some of the tests your doctor may prescribe you are:
Typically, cysts larger than 5 cm are considered severe and demand surgical removal.
Enlarged ovarian cysts usually have no other cure than surgical intervention. But yes, the very formation of follicular cysts can be helped contained through hormonal medicines such as birth control. The principle is simple. No ovulation= no follicular cysts.
Yes, most insurance providers in India cover ovarian cyst removal surgery under their medicare as ovarian cyst surgeries are always done to relieve the patient of acute suffering and are considered medical necessities. However, there might be a disease capping on the maximum amount that can be covered.
Your recovery rate and healing time primarily depend on the technique of surgery you opt for.
Ovarian cyst removal, even in a long term outlook is a safe and effective surgery with minimum to no side effects in the long run. However, the only negative side point is, that- no ovarian cyst removal is permanent. If they have occurred before, chances are they might occur again. Therefore, a good, healthy and active lifestyle is a must, along with regular pelvic checkups.
Mrs. M (aged 38, Patna) called us in March 2020 seeking a female gynecologist for her medical condition. Her symptoms included:
For same, we connected her with Dr. Roopali Ghosh through a direct consultation. After a careful understanding of Mrs. M’s prior medical history and current symptoms, Dr. Ghosh advised her to undertake a pelvic ultrasound test, CT Scan, and complete blood test.
Reports diagnosed Mrs. M with a 6 inch ovarian cyst.
For same, Dr. Ghosh suggested her – laparoscopic ovarian cyst removal. After explaining the procedure, what to expect, how to prepare, possible risks and complications, Dr. Ghosh scheduled the cystectomy surgery 4 days after the final consultation. Through this time, we guided Ms. M on all the necessary documentation required for insurance approval.
On the day of surgery, we picked Ms. M and her husband from their residence and took them to our associated hospital. With everything ready and waiting, our carebuddy received them from the hospital entrance and filled their admission form and documentation. Soon, Mrs. M was shifted to the OT and surgery was successfully completed in less than 40 minutes. Thereafter, Mrs. M was shifted to the general ward.
As Mrs. M slept through for the next 1-2 hours, Dr. Kashyap guided her staff for regular monitoring. As Mrs Y woke up, Dr Kashyap visited the patient to confirm how she was feeling and if she felt okay.
With everything normal, and stable vitals, Mrs. M was discharged the next day with post surgery medications and recovery guidelines.
Through this, our carebuddy took care of all possible paperwork and associated needs. Post discharge, we dropped Mrs. M and her husband back at their residence and scheduled a followup after 5 days.
The followup confirmed smooth recovery and no signs of side effects or pain. Dr. Ghosh then guided Mrs. M on hormonal medication to control ovulation and stop formation of any eventual cysts.
Can ovarian cysts resolve without treatment?
But if the ovarian cyst enlarges or causes symptoms like irregular period, pelvic pain, fuller abdomen, unexpected weight loss, or pain with fever and vomiting, we suggest you see the doctor immediately. Untreated ovarian cysts can have extreme complications including, ovarian torsion, ruptured cysts, intense pain, internal bleeding, decreased fertility and increased risk of ovarian cancer.
What size of ovarian cyst is dangerous?
Ovarian cysts that are 5 cm or larger in diameter are suggested to be removed surgically. Such large ovarian cysts can be complicated by rupture, hemorrhage, and torsion and are considered to be gynaecological emergencies.
Therefore, it is essential to promptly diagnose and treat them to avoid high morbidity and mortality.
Who requires Ovarian cyst surgery?
Large or persistent ovarian cysts, or cysts causing symptoms, usually need to be surgically removed. Surgery is also recommended if there are concerns that the cyst could be cancerous or become cancerous shortly.
You may require ovarian cyst surgery if you are past menopause or if your cyst does not go away after several menstrual cycles, gets larger or looks unusual on the ultrasound.
Does surgery for an ovarian cyst mean the removal of the whole ovary?
No. The ovaries produce important hormones before menopause and are vital to a woman’s reproductive health. Therefore in most cases, only the cyst is removed, preserving the ovary. This is known as a cystectomy.
However, in case of gynaecological complications, for example, if the cyst is very large and replaced the whole ovary, or the cyst has twisted so much that the blood supply has been completely cut off, or, rarely, if there is a suspicion of cancer; one or both the ovaries may have to be removed.
If you are looking for an experienced gynecologist, an advanced gyne- hospital or wondering what surgery is better- Laparoscopic cystectomy/ open cut laparotomy, Pristyn Care can be a great choice! We are not just another hospital but a full-stack health care provider. Some of the reasons that make us one of the best in health care are:
You can speak to us directly by calling us on the number provided at our website. You could also book your appointment by clicking on the ‘Book Appointment’ tab right next to our number. It will take you to a small form with your four basic details-’your name’, ‘contact number’, ‘disease’ and ‘city’. Fill in these details and press ‘submit’. Now, just relax, and let our medical coordinators call you back and answer all your queries in detail.