Ovarian Cysts

What are ovarian cysts?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on an ovary. Sometimes, it may contain blood, teeth, hair and fats. Ovarian cystectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove cysts from an ovary. 

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What are the different types of ovarian cyst?

The main types of ovarian cysts are:

1. Functional cysts which are developed as part of the menstrual cycle. These includes follicular and corpus luteal cysts and are common and harmless and would usually disappear spontaneously.

2. Benign cysts such as endometriotic cysts (contain thick, dark brown material) and dermoid cysts (contain teeth, hair and fat)

3. Pathological cysts which are formed as a result of abnormal cell growth

 

Most ovarian cysts are non-cancerous (benign). 

 

The risk of ovarian cancer is higher in postmenopausal women. Regular ultrasound scans and blood tests are usually recommended to monitor the cyst.

 

Surgical removal of the cysts may be needed if they're large, causing symptoms or potentially cancerous.

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What is a cystectomy?

Removal of cysts, known as cystectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to remove cysts from various parts of the body. A cyst is a closed sac-like structure that can develop in different organs or tissues, containing fluid, semi-solid material, or gas.

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What are the treatment options for ovarian cysts?

The management of ovarian cysts depends on the symptoms, characteristics of the cyst and results of blood tests.

 

Small asymptomatic ovarian cysts (less than 5cm) that have no suspicious features on ultrasound may be managed expectantly. Monitoring is via an ultrasound scan once every three to four months.

 

Surgery will be recommended if the ovarian cyst is large (more than 5cm) and/or symptomatic or has abnormal features.

 

Laparoscopic cystectomy is the approach of choice if the risk of malignancy is low, as it is associated with less post-operative pain and a faster recovery.

 

Laparotomy may be recommended if there are concerns about abdominal adhesions or if the ovarian cyst is large or if it has suspicious features.

 

If the risk of ovarian cancer is high, your doctor will discuss frozen section (examination of excised ovarian tissue while you are still under general anaesthesia) and surgical staging (removing the uterus, both fallopian tubes and ovaries, the omentum, appendix as well as lymph nodes.