Cysts are a type of benign tumor commonly found in women. One type of cyst that often occurs in women of childbearing age who can still conceive is ovarian cyst disease. The ovaries are two small organs located on either side of the uterus in a woman’s body. The ovaries are closely related to the uterus, so many refer to it as uterine cyst disease even though ovarian cyst disease involves lumps in the ovaries.
The ovaries are responsible for producing hormones, including estrogen, which triggers menstruation in women. Every month, the ovaries release small-sized eggs. These eggs travel to the fallopian tubes for potential fertilization. We know this egg cycle as the process of ovulation.
Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
Although sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms, it’s important not to underestimate this disease. Cysts can grow larger, disrupting the function of other organs, which can limit fluid flow in tissues such as the liver, pancreas, or other organs. Some symptoms you may experience when this disease attacks the body include:
- Pain or bloating in the abdomen.
- Difficulty urinating, or frequent urination.
- Unclear pain in the lower back area.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Abnormal pain and bleeding during menstruation or outside the menstrual cycle.
- Continuous weight loss.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Loss of appetite, due to the stomach feeling full quickly.
Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis
If the mentioned symptoms start to appear, it is essential to have them checked by an obstetrician/gynecologist as soon as possible. They will feel for lumps during a pelvic examination. To determine whether you have uterine cyst disease, there are several methods that can be used for diagnosis. These methods include:
- Ultrasound testing, which is done to create images of the ovaries. These images help doctors determine the size and location of cysts or tumors.
- Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans provide detailed explanations. Doctors can use these tests to find ovarian tumors and observe the spread of these tumors.
- In addition, doctors conduct blood tests to check hormone levels. This may include testing for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone.
- Through a small incision, doctors insert a laparoscope, a tube equipped with a light and camera at its end. Before starting this surgical method, you will undergo anesthesia. With laparoscopy, doctors directly observe the pelvic cavity and reproductive organs to detect abnormalities.
- CA-125 test. If the doctor suspects that the tumor growth is cancerous, they will suggest a blood test to look for a protein called CA-125. The levels of this protein tend to be higher in some women with ovarian cancer (although not the sole indicator). This test is primarily used in women over 35 years old, who are slightly at higher risk for ovarian cancer.
- If the diagnosis is ovarian cancer, doctors use the diagnostic test results to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the ovaries. If indeed cancerous, doctors will also use the results to determine how far it has spread. This diagnostic procedure is called staging. This helps doctors plan treatment.
Most ovarian growths are benign. However, a small number can be cancerous. That’s why it’s important to have pelvic examinations regularly. Especially menopausal women should have routine check-ups as they face a higher risk of ovarian cancer.
