Ovarian Cyst Information

Dermoid cysts can contain hair, teeth, and/or skin; this is because they have the potential to become any kind of tissue in a human since they are "non-differentiated cells." While they are usually non-cancerous, dermoid cysts can become very large and result in pain by causing the ovaries to become twisted. (Learn More About A Dermoid Cyst)

The effect of such a cyst is a growth of uterine cells outside of the uterus which usually clings to an ovary and grows over the course of several menstrual cycles. Endometrioma can grow in size to that comparable with a grapefruit. They may be caused in part by genetics. Symptoms include pain before and after menstruating, pain during intercourse, fatigue, pain upon voiding, pain with bowel movements, and menstrual periods that are irregular.

There are two different types of Cystadenomas.

A serous cystadenoma is generally somewhere between 2 to 6 inches in diameter and is filled with a thin liquid.

A mucinous cystadenoma, on the other hand, is filled with a gluey, thick gelatinous liquid. The size of a mucinous cystadenoma can be anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in diameter.

If one experiences severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis, medical attention should be sought.

Endometriosis or ectopic pregnancies can produce painful and noticeable symptoms similar to those of complex ovarian cysts. The symptoms are differentiated through pelvic pain, pain before or after menstrual periods, and pain during intercourse. They might also experience the absence of menstrual periods or unusual bleeding patterns.

In order to rule out a pregnancy, doctors often require that women undergo a pregnancy test as well as a blood test. It is important that individuals take the diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst seriously, contacting their doctors whenever they experience severe pain in the abdomen and pelvic area.

Complex ovarian cysts must be checked to determine whether they are cancerous or not. Complex ovarian cysts are not all always cancerous. However, a physician must determine whether cancer is present through testing. Doctors can include consideration of the patient’s age and symptoms in arriving at a diagnosis.