Ovarian Cyst Treatment

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form inside or on the surface of an ovary. Many women don’t even know they have ovarian cysts since the cysts are often small, relatively harmless, and go away of their own accord within a few months.

In severe cases, cysts painfully enlarge and twist your ovaries, reducing or stopping blood flow. Cysts can also rupture, resulting in internal bleeding. A large ovarian cyst can cause a fever, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and lower abdominal and pelvic pain.

What are the types of ovarian cysts?

There are several different types of ovarian cysts.

Follicular cysts

Follicles are cyst-like structures that your ovaries normally grow every month. The follicles produce your estrogen and progesterone hormones and release an egg during ovulation. A follicular cyst happens when the ovary follicle can’t properly release an egg and grows into a cyst instead. Follicular cysts are not typically large and painful.

Dermoid cysts

Dermoid cysts aren’t associated with your menstrual cycle. Dermoid cysts develop from embryonic cells and can contain tissue, such as teeth, hair, and skin. They grow quite slowly and are often discovered incidentally.

Corpus luteum cysts

A corpus luteum cyst occurs due to changes and abnormalities in the ovary follicle. The changes take place after the egg is released and cause fluid including blood to accumulate inside the follicle. This can lead to a hemorrhagic cyst.

How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

Dr. Jones diagnoses your ovarian cysts using a pelvic examination, a pelvic ultrasound, a laparoscopy, or some other imaging method. If Dr. Jones suspects or finds an unexpected cyst or enlarged ovary during your pelvic exam, he might recommend a vaginal ultrasound and specific laboratory tests to assess for cancer.

When an ovarian growth or cyst warrants closer inspection, Dr. Jones can do so through a small incision using a fiberoptic laparoscope. This is an effective procedure that is also used to diagnose other abnormalities such as adhesions, pelvic infection, and fibroids.

What are the treatments for ovarian cysts?

The right treatment for your ovarian cyst depends on the size, characteristics, placement, cause, and severity. Dr. Jones might recommend:

• Surgery: some cysts can be removed without having to remove the ovary
• Medication: such as hormonal contraception to prevent future cysts
• Careful monitoring: in most mild cases, cysts clear up on their own

Dr. Jones uses the da Vinci® robotic-assisted surgical system to perform many procedures, including ovarian cyst removal. The 3D high-definition camera of the da Vinci system allows for the precise removal of ovarian cysts with accuracy, safety, and precision.

If you experience pelvic pain or think you might have ovarian cysts, call Ozark OBGYN or book an appointment online.