It is common for women who are experiencing pain and
discomfort to be concerned whether or not they have an ovarian cyst or gynecological
tumor (also known as an ovarian tumor). There can be confusion surrounding the
differences in definition and treatment, and we are here to help women get the
gynecological answers they need.
An ovarian cyst is an air- or fluid-filled sac that forms in
the ovaries (organs on either side of a woman’s uterus that produce hormones
and prompt the menstruation cycle each month). There are several types of
ovarian cysts including the functional cyst. Considered to be the most common,
the functional cyst forms either when a woman’s egg is not released during
ovulation or when the fluid-filled sac in which the egg forms neglects to
dissolve after the egg has been released.
Others types of ovarian cysts include the following:
- · Cystadenomas are made up of the cells which cover the surface of the ovary.
- · Dermoid cysts contain tissue which is similar to the tissue found in other parts of the body. This can include teeth, skin and hair tissue.
- · Endometriomas are made up of tissue from the lining in uterus.
- · Polycystic ovaries occur when the follicles (in which the eggs mature) do not open.
It is difficult to determine whether a patient has an
ovarian cyst, because the symptoms are not evident until a gynecologist
performs a routine pelvis exam. However, if you exhibit any of the following
symptoms, be sure to contact your gynecologist immediately:
- · Abdomen pain or bloating
- · Pain during intercourse
- · Loss of appetite
- · Nausea and/or vomiting
- · Difficulty or frequent urination
- · Weight gain
- · Dull ache in the lower back
- · Painful menstruation and abnormal bleeding
It is important to note that these symptoms are similar to those
of a gynecological tumor which can lead to ovarian cancer. This form of cancer
often spreads before it is detected, so you should be sure to get your routine
pelvic exam each year.
The good news is that if you are diagnosed with ovarian
cysts, they are likely to go away on their own. In fact, ovarian cysts are not
a concern unless they bleed, spiral or rupture. If the symptoms are
troublesome, your gynecologist will suggest frequent check-ups to determine
whether a change has occurred. Birth control pills, which prevent ovulation,
may be prescribed to rid the body of pain and discomfort.
There are two ways to remove ovarian cysts that continue to
grow, cause pain or do not go away on their own: Laparoscopic surgery or a Laparotomy.
- · Laparoscopic surgery – This technique is recommended for small, noncancerous ovarian cysts. Laparoscopic surgery – an outpatient procedure – uses small incisions with the aid of a tiny telescope-like instrument to remove the ovarian cyst. After two weeks of light lifting and easy exercise, patients can jump back into their regular routine.
- · Laparotomy – Doctors use this technique when a cyst is larger than 3 inches. It is also recommended for multiple cysts and a gynecological tumor. General anesthesia is administered, and the surgeon removes the tumor. When necessary, a hysterectomy is performed – the removal of the ovaries, uterus, lymph nodes, fallopian tubes and the fatty abdominal tissue known as the omentum. An overnight stay is common, and a hospital discharge is granted if infection has not set in. After six weeks, patients can get back to leading a full life.
A genetic cell mutation can transform healthy cells into abnormal
cells. They begin to multiply out of control and form a mass which is known as
a gynecological tumor. This mass can take on neighboring cells and spread
throughout the body without dying as normal, healthy cells do. A gynecological tumor
is any abnormal tissue mass that is either malignant (cancerous) or benign
(cancer-free). A biopsy will help the gynecologist determine whether or not a
patient has ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer has several stages (I to IV). Depending on
the stage of the gynecological tumor, a gynecologic oncologist will recommend
various types of treatments plans. A Stage I ovarian cancer patient could
undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy. Other cancer stages could be helped
with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
- · Chemotherapy – Designed to kill cancer cells, chemotherapy is administered by the mouth, in the abdomen or intravenously. Side effects – hair loss, nausea, vomiting, kidney damage and a greater chance of infection – will go away once the chemotherapy treatments have been completed.
- · Radiation – Strategically placed X-rays – either outside of the body or inside near the ovarian tumor – will target and either shrink or destroy the cancer cells. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue and reddening of the skin.
Keep in mind that there is a chance ovarian cancer will
return after surgery. In which case, patients will need to discuss additional
treatment plans with their gynecologist.
If you are diagnosed with ovarian cysts or a gynecological
tumor, contact MedToGo today. Our team of highly-qualified gynecologists can
help you reclaim your health with safe and affordable treatment options.
