Gynecology & Laparoscopic Surgeons, PC’s female gynecologists understand the causes and treatment options for ovarian cysts.
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled masses. Women who ovulate develop a small cyst on their ovary just before the egg is released. Ovarian cysts may be present and not cause any symptoms or they can cause pain and even some sickness.
A functional ovarian cyst occurs when an egg is not released and the fluid around the egg remains. At times, these cysts may continue to enlarge and cause symptoms. Most of the time, they resolve on their own and do not require treatment. Some of the symptoms ovarian cysts cause are:
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain in the lower back
- Stomach area swelling or bloating
- Pain in the thighs
- Uncomfortable bowel movements
- Nausea
- Tenderness in breasts
- Pelvic pain
A hemorrhagic ovarian cyst is filled with blood during ovulation. Hemorrhagic cysts will often resolve without treatment. If this type of cyst leaks, it may cause significant pain because blood is irritating to the inside of the abdomen and pelvis.
Diagnosis
Some cysts may be complex and contain fluid in addition to solid elements. Some may contain fluid but have walls within the cyst. Others may be completely solid. Some complex cysts may be cancer. Further evaluation is always required with these types of cysts.
At Gynecology and Laparoscopic Surgeons, PC (GLSI), we can perform a pelvic examination to diagnose your ovarian cyst condition. By using ultrasound, MRI or a CT scan, we can determine the size, shape, location and composition of ovarian cysts. Through this diagnosis our gynecologists can determine if further treatment is needed.
Treatment for Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts that require surgery can be evaluated and treated using laparoscopy. Occasionally a large abdominal incision is required (as in the case of an ovarian cancer). However, a gynecologic surgeon trained in advanced laparoscopy can remove even very large ovarian cysts (orange or grapefruit size) or noncancerous tumors laparoscopically. Laparoscopic ovarian cyst surgery is minimally invasive and requires significantly less recovery time.
GLSI provides treatment for ovarian cysts for patients in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas. For more information about our gynecology services and treatments, contact us at our Raleigh, NC office.