Friday, September 26, 2008

Information on Ovarian Cyst Types

By Jay Tyler

Functional ovarian cysts are a fairly common problem among women and should usually not be a cause for concern. Most ovarian cysts do not lead to or indicate cancer. Though some cysts may cause discomfort and others may require some treatment, the majority of functional ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and do not require treatment.

When ovulation does not happen, or when a mature follicle breaks down, a simple form of ovarian cyst may form, called a follicular cyst. This cyst can become as large as 2 or more inches in diameter, but will usually disappear by itself after only a few months, and will usually show no symptoms.

A corpus luteum cyst can result when the ovarian gland produces progesterone during ovulation and a egg is released as the menstrual cycle progresses. A round gland called the corpus luteum is filled with fluid and about a inch in diameter when healthy and functioning properly. Generally they appear in the early months or pregnancy or even just at the end of the menstrual cycle and are asymptomatic, healing on their own without symptoms and may never even be noticed.

A functional cyst on the ovaries that releases or contains blood is referred to as a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. This type of cyst won't always burst, however when they do, it will cause a burning feeling in the pelvic area from leaking blood. Hemorrhagic cysts are common, however, and most of the time nothing needs to be done to treat them. If a doctor thinks the cyst is an indicator of endometriosis, they may perform surgery to remove it.

Women are most at risk of developing a dermoid cyst during their prime childbearing years. However, women of any age can develop dermoid cysts. A dermoid cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that grows from a germ cell in the ovaries known as the totipotential germ cell. From this cell grows such tissues as hair, teeth, and bone. Consequently, dermoid cysts can contain various types of solid physical tissue. It is common for a doctor to find hair and teeth formation, for instance, in dermoid cysts. Doctors surgically remove dermoid cysts because they can cut off the blood supply of the ovaries.

Endometriosis and tumors are covered under pathological ovarian cysts. While rare, this type of ovarian cyst can only be properly diagnosed after a thorough exam by a doctor. Pathological ovarian cysts can be found in both their benign, non-cancerous form and malignant, cancerous forms. Quick treatment is the best solution once a tumor has been found being that they can be rather persistent, swollen and have a thick exterior's. The other end of the spectrum is the endometrioid cyst caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis is when a small piece of endometrial tissue bleeds, falls off and moves to the inside of the ovaries where it reattaches itself. The prime reproductive years in a womans life is when this generally happens, but pathological cysts are still much less common then functional cysts.

The different types of ovarian cysts must be diagnosed and treated appropriately. However, all women should speak to their doctors about ovarian cysts in order to be properly informed and guard their health.

About the Author:

No comments: