Bag filled with fluid, the ovarian cyst is formed in the female ovaries. In their lifetime, 12 out of every 100,000 women are affected. Although it is benign most of the time, the ovarian cyst can also become cancerous. Here are 5 symptoms that every woman must know according to Dr. Nadia Berkane, gynecologist-obstetrician.
The liquid that the cyst contains gives it the appearance of a sac and a size present at the level of the ovary. Even if it is benign, it should be monitored because its presence is still abnormal, and in case of unpleasant symptoms, it is appropriate that a surgical procedure be discussed with your doctor.
There are two kinds of ovarian cysts.
What is an ovarian cyst?
- Functional ovarian cysts
This type of cyst is often benign,it is the hormonal fluctuations that are at the origin of their development. According to Dr. Nadia Berkane, the follicles of the ovary grow abnormally and can grow up to 3 centimeters in diameter or more.
These cysts can be seen on ultrasound and are often cleared spontaneously at the end of the menstrual cycle. "When these functional cysts are painful, the gynecologist can put in place a control of the menstrual cycle, for example using a contraceptive pill" says the expert at the magazine Femme Actuelle.
- Organic ovarian cysts
These are the organic cysts that can become cancerous. There are also endometriomas, cysts filled with blood, and dermoid cysts that can contain hair and hair. All can become malignant and therefore dangerous for the health of the woman. An article on ovarian cysts at the Sorbonne Faculty of Sciences states that 5% of the organic masses discovered before menopause are neoplastic, ie malignant; and 15% after menopause.
5 Symptoms of ovarian cyst
Here are 5 symptoms that should prompt you to consult your doctor or gynecologist:
Pain
It can be intense or moderate in the lower abdomen. The gynecologist specifies that if the pain is really violent and acute, at the level of the lower abdomen and only one side, it can be a twisting of appendix. You must immediately consult a doctor.
The feeling of heaviness of the lower abdomen
Sometimes you do not feel "comfortable", or feel like a heaviness in the lower abdomen, or tugging giving you that feeling of heaviness.
Belly swelling
According to the gynecologist, if your belly is swollen and you feel lateralized pain, it may reveal the presence of a malignant cyst. You should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Urinary disorders
If the cysts are big enough and close to compress the bladder, it can cause urinary disorders.
Constipation
If the cysts are however responsible for the compression of the rectum, it can be at the origin of a constipation.
Diagnosis
Often, the cysts are not painful and are observed at the time of a gynecological consultation. Palpable if large enough, ultrasound can visualize size and shape, and MRI is needed for large cysts.
Possible complications of cysts in case of rupture, bleeding, compression of neighboring organs or infection warn of the need for monitoring the evolution of cysts. In pregnant women, they can be a constraint to vaginal delivery.