Don't Be Afraid of Ovarian Cysts

Every woman must be afraid if they hear a disease called an ovarian cyst. This disease becomes a scary thing because its presence in the body can develop into cancerous and deadly.

Basically, ovarian cysts are not dangerous. What makes it develop into malignant is when the ovarian cyst ruptures, its size is very large, or it blocks the supply of blood to the ovaries.

Detection as Early as Possible

Ovarian cysts are lumps or fluid-filled sacs that develop in a woman's ovaries. This condition is quite commonly experienced by women. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and can disappear on their own without special treatment. The presence of cysts in the ovary is difficult to detect because it is often asymptomatic. New cysts show symptoms when they have developed.

Recognize the symptoms of ovarian cysts

In most cases, we are usually not aware of the presence of ovarian cysts in the body. But you will feel the symptoms if you have cysts that have enlarged, ruptured, or covered up blood flow to the ovaries. The following symptoms can occur due to cysts:

• Frequent urination.
• Pain during bowel movements.
• Feeling tired and dizzy.
• Bloated.
• Changes in the menstrual cycle.
• Nausea, vomiting, or breast pain.
• Indigestion or easy to fill even though you only eat a little.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pelvic pain before menstruation arrives or during
• Pelvic pain that spreads to the lower back and thighs.

If there is sudden severe pain in the pelvic or abdominal area, and there is a fever accompanied by the above symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor.

Go to a doctor and undergo a medical

After knowing the symptoms or if you find these symptoms, it is better to immediately consult an obstetrician. A doctor's examination can be ascertained whether you have a cyst or not.

When consulting with a doctor, you will undergo a physical examination that is a pelvic examination. At the time of pelvic examination, the doctor will examine the genital area, vagina, lower abdominal cavity, and also use a special tool called a speculum to see the reproductive tract.

If you feel certain symptoms and are specialized to see a doctor, or during pelvic examination there are abnormalities, investigations below will help detect whether there are cysts or not.

• Ultrasonography (USG). Ultrasound examination is the main choice in diagnosing ovarian cysts. With ultrasound, the doctor can see the size, shape, location, and review whether the cyst contains solid or fluid tissue. This examination can also be done to monitor the development of ovarian cysts.
• Test Your doctor will advise you to undergo a blood test if the ultrasound results indicate that the cyst you have is solid or there is a suspicion that the lump is ovarian cancer. Through this test, the doctor will test levels of a protein called CA-125 in your blood. The reason is that CA-125 levels can increase in women suffering from ovarian cancer. But not all CA-125 increases are caused by ovarian cancer. It is possible that it is caused by pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids. Therefore, the conclusion of someone suffering from ovarian cancer cannot be based on CA-125 levels alone.
• Through a small incision, the doctor will insert a laparoscope, a tube with a lamp, and a camera on the end. Before starting this surgical method, you will undergo the anesthesia process. With laparoscopy, the doctor can see directly the pelvic cavity and reproductive organs to detect abnormalities.

Not all cysts require medical treatment. There is a type of cyst known as a functional cyst ’. Functional cysts are related to the menstrual cycle and are generally harmless. This type of cyst can disappear by itself in two to three menstrual cycles. With a complete examination, your doctor can find out what type of cyst you are experiencing and the risk for developing ovarian cancer.

Generally, cysts will be medically followed up if they are large, cause pain, urinate frequently, and menstruation is disrupted, or if the doctor feels that the cyst is at risk of being cancerous.

Risk factors for ovarian cancer

Basically, ovarian cysts are not dangerous, especially if treated early in development. However, the cyst has the potential to turn into ovarian cancer, especially if the sufferer:

• Has entered menopause.
• Aged between 50-60 years.
• Has the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation genes.
• Having a family with a history of ovarian cancer.
• Suffered from breast cancer.
• Have undergone hormone therapy after menopause.
• Smoke.
• Suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Have ever taken drugs to increase fertility.
• Never been pregnant.

If for some reason you are worried about ovarian cysts in the body, consult a doctor. With early diagnosis, the cyst can be treated properly and the risk of complications is lower.

Share this post

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER