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Symptoms and treatment of ovarian cysts
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac formed in the ovary that is often harmless and asymptomatic, but may sometimes require surgery. Seek medical attention if you have lower abdominal pain or other symptoms that do not clear up on their own.
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Revised 11/19/2024
Ovarian cysts in brief
- Ovarian cysts can cause lower abdominal pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. For some, ovarian cysts can also be completely asymptomatic.
- Functional cysts, which are benign and often go away on their own, are most common in women of reproductive age.
- The gynaecologist will examine whether the cyst is indicative of malignancy, i.e. cancer.
Functional ovarian cysts are benign and usually resolve on their own
A functional cyst develops when an unruptured ovarian follicle or the ovarian corpus luteum, which is formed after ovulation, collects excess fluid or blood. A functional cyst means that its size and presence varies according to the menstrual cycle.
An ovarian cyst can grow up to five centimetres in diameter. Normally, it disappears during the next menstrual cycle. Functional cysts are often found incidentally during a gynaecological ultrasound examination, and they occur in up to 10% of women in reproductive age.
Sometimes an ovarian cyst may be part of an ovarian tumour, which may also have other types of structures. During an examination by a gynaecologist, it is essential to find out whether the change could indicate malignancy, i.e. cancer. Cysts are less common after menopause, and the risk of a malignant tumour is higher.
Ovarian cyst symptoms
Ovarian cysts can be completely asymptomatic, but in some cases, they may cause lower abdominal pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, typically on the side where the cyst is located. The cyst may also cause a frequent need to urinate and pain during sex. Rare hormone-secreting tumours can also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Symptoms caused by a ruptured ovarian cyst
An ovarian cyst may rupture and cause bleeding inside the abdominal cavity, causing severe pain. In such a situation, it is important to seek emergency care.
Sometimes an ovarian cyst can also cause the ovary to twist. This can cut off oxygen flow to the ovary and cause severe pain. Surgical treatment is always required.
When to see a physician for lower abdominal symptoms
Book an appointment with a gynaecologist if you experience lower abdominal pain or other symptoms that do not resolve on their own. If pregnancy is possible, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test at home before the appointment. If you suddenly start to experience severe pain in the lower abdomen, you should seek immediate medical attention.
It is also important to attend follow-up appointments as recommended by your physician if you have previously had an ovarian cyst. This allows the physician to check whether the cyst has disappeared, grown or changed shape.
Examination and treatment of ovarian cysts
Examining the structure of the ovarian cyst via a gynaecological ultrasound examination is key in diagnosing the cyst.
- Functional cysts are usually unilocular and smooth. In this case, a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled after a couple of months. The purpose of the follow-up appointment is to ensure that the cyst clears up on its own. Surgery is rarely required.
- Malignant tumour. For example, septa, uneven edges, protrusions or cloudy fluid in the cyst may indicate a malignant tumour. Such changes need to be investigated further. The older a woman is when diagnosed with a new abnormality in the ovaries, the more likely it is to be malignant.
Blood tests for tumour markers are sometimes used in diagnosis, but they alone cannot be used to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant. If the tumour appears malignant, urgent surgical treatment in specialised health care is almost always required.
Surgical treatment of ovarian cysts
A benign cyst is removed surgically if it causes persistent symptoms and does not resolve on its own. If there are indications that the ovarian tumour may be malignant, an urgent surgical assessment is carried out in specialised health care.
- Endoscopic surgery, or laparoscopy. Benign ovarian cysts are usually removed by endoscopic surgery, from which recovery is relatively quick.
- A pathologist examines the cyst. After surgery, a pathologist examines the cyst to determine whether further treatment is needed.
Prices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 10 min Price per appointment. | from 27,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 57,20 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 46,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 76,20 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 55,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 85,20 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 66,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 96,20 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 69,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 104,00 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 95,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 132,00 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 108,00 € Without Kela reimbursement from 148,00 € |
Gynaecology-related problems
Endometriosis
A gynaecological disease in which tissue that resembles the endometrial mucosa exists outside the uterus.
Lower abdominal pain in women
The most common causes for lower abdominal pain are either intestinal or gynaecological.
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and fever.
Urinary tract infection
A need to urinate frequently and a burning sensation or pain when urinating.
human papilloma virus (HPV)
a good tendency to heal, but it should be monitored so that the infection does not persist and progress to cancer.
Frequently asked questions about ovarian cysts
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the ovary. Functional cysts, which are benign and often go away on their own, are most common in women of reproductive age. Cysts are less common after menopause, and the risk of a malignant tumour is higher.
Ovarian cysts can be completely asymptomatic, but in some cases, they may cause symptoms such as:
- lower abdominal pain
- swelling
- a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, typically on the side where the cyst is located.
The cyst may also cause a frequent need to urinate and pain during sex. Rare hormone-secreting tumours can also cause abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Women of reproductive age can inhibit the formation of functional cysts with combined hormonal contraceptives or mini-pills that prevent ovulation, as they prevent the maturation of the ovarian follicle.
Functional ovarian cysts do not cause infertility. However, endometriosis can be associated with not only so-called chocolate cysts, but also sometimes infertility.
Initially, the symptoms of ovarian cancer may be very mild and vague. Possible symptoms include mild lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal swelling, urination problems, abnormal vaginal bleeding and changes in bowel function. As the symptoms can vary, it is advisable to have them checked if you are experiencing any new and disturbing symptoms.
There are several types of ovarian cancer, some of which develop more quickly than others. Currently, no screening test is able to detect possible onset of ovarian cancer. For this reason, even if you were examined by a gynaecologist a year ago, it is still possible for a malignant tumour to develop in the ovaries during this time.
