Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment

Ovaries are an important part of the female reproductive system as they are located on both sides of the uterus in the lower abdomen. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs and the hormones progesterone and estrogen. Ovarian Cysts are possible in any person having ovaries. Ovarian cyst diagnosis, if done early, is great for the course of treatment. When a cyst forms, a fluid-filled sac develops on any one of the ovaries that can sometimes turn harmful. Most women develop at least one cyst during a lifetime with most cysts being painless and causing no symptoms.

Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis

An ovarian cyst may be present in the body and there may not be any symptoms at all. However, the doctor is able to detect an ovarian cyst during the routine pelvic exam. During a routine examination, if the ovaries are found to be swelling, an ultrasound may be ordered to confirm the existence of a cyst. The ultrasound test, also known as ultrasonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to get an image of the internal organs. It is an imaging test that helps in the determination of location, shape, size and composition (solid or fluid-filled) of a cyst.

Tools

Some of the tools that the doctor uses to diagnose ovarian cyst are-

1. CT Scan- It is a body imaging device that creates a cross-sectional image of the internal organ.
2. MRI- It is a test that produces detailed images of internal organs using magnetic fields.
3. Ultrasound Device- Doctors use this imaging device to visualize the ovary.

Tests

Some of the tests that the doctor may suggest for diagnosis are-

• Pregnancy Test- In case the pregnancy test comes out to be positive, it is an indication that one may have a corpus luteum cyst.
• Pelvic Ultrasound- A transducer sends and receives high-frequency sound waves which create an image of the uterus and ovaries on a video screen. After this, the doctor goes through the image to confirm the presence of a cyst and identify the location. This also determines whether the cyst is solid, fluid-filled or mixed.
• Laparoscopy- After making a small incision in the abdomen, the doctor inserts a laparoscope (a slim and lighted instrument) to see the ovaries and remove the ovarian cyst. During the procedure, which is surgical, the doctor also uses anaesthesia.
• CA 125 Blood Test- The blood levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA125)- a type of protein- are often high in women who have ovarian cancer. If the cyst is solid and the CA 125 blood levels are high, the doctor may order a few tests.

Ovarian Cyst Prevention

There is no definite known method preventing the growth of ovarian cysts. However, regular pelvic examinations would help to ensure the early diagnosis of anything negative in the ovaries. One must also be alert to any changes in the monthly menstrual cycle and must take care of any accompanying abnormal symptoms. If the changes seem to persist, it is best to visit the doctor. Moreover, medications containing hormones (like birth control pills) stops ovulation. If the dosage is low, women would still ovulate.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment

Majority of cysts go away within weeks or months of diagnosis, which is why a treatment plan isn't necessarily immediately. The doctor would instead suggest an ultrasound test after a few weeks or months to check the condition. If the cyst still persists, the doctor would recommend additional tests to understand the causes. Based on that, the doctor would recommend tests. Some of the treatment options doctors suggest are-

Birth control pills

For recurrent ovarian cysts, the doctor may prescribe oral contraceptives so as to stop ovulation, this also prevents the development of new cysts. Besides, it reduces the risk of ovarian cancer as well.

Laparoscopy

A small cyst can be surgically removed, given that the imaging tests have ruled out cancer. The doctor would perform a laparoscopy for surgical removal of the cyst. During the procedure, the doctor would make a tiny incision in the abdomen area and insert a small instrument for removal of the cyst.

Laparotomy

A larger cyst would involve the surgical removal of the cyst through a large incision in the abdomen. After this, a biopsy may be done to determine if the cyst is cancerous in nature. If the biopsy results show that the cyst is cancerous in nature, the doctor may perform a hysterectomy for removal of the ovaries and uterus.   Bibliography:

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/ovarian-cysts#treatment
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovarian_cyst'
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9133-ovarian-cysts/prevention
5. http://www.fortishealthcare.com/india/diseases/ovarian-cysts-76/prevention