It is not unusual to have ovarian cysts. For the majority of these cysts, there are no symptoms and they are just as likely to shrink to nothing as develop into anything serious. Despite this fact, more complex cysts can grow and even though they are certainly not common they are more problematic to the health. Complex ovarian cysts are different than simple ones in that they can consist of both solid and liquid matter. The three types of complex ovarian cysts are termed dermoid cysts, endometiomas, and cystdenomas.
A dermoid cyst forms from the ova, which are cells that produce human eggs. As these cells are referred to as non-differentiated, they have the potential to form into any tissue needed in the human body such that dermoid cysts can contain hair, skin and even teeth. Though dermoid cysts are rarely cancerous, they can cause pain as they become larger and larger, twisting the ovaries.
Endometrioma is a type of complex ovarian cyst that is caused by the condition of endometriosis. A woman with this condition have uterine cells that grow outside of the uterus, often attaching themselves to an ovary and forming a growth after a series of menstrual cycles. Endometrial cysts can grow in size to such an extent that they are comparable to a grapefruit. Endometriosis may be down to your genes. It is marked by pain before and after menstrual periods and during sex, as well as fatigue, pain with urination and bowel movements, and irregular menstrual periods.
Cystadenomas are also complex ovarian cysts but they develop from ovarian tissue. Filled with liquid, cystadenomas can become twisted in the ovary and causing severe pain. Cystadenomas can be divided further into two types. A serous cystadenoma consists of a thin fluid, and is known to grow to between 2 inches to 6 inches diameter. In contrast, a mucinous cystadenoma consists of a sticky, gelatinous liquid. A mucinous cystadenoma can develop to about 6 inches to 12 inches in diameter.
Complex ovarian cysts may also feel like you are pregnant as the symptoms, tender breasts, nausea and vomiting, often manifest with a large cyst. If one experiences severe pain in the abdomen or pelvis, medical attention should be sought. Endometriosis or ectopic pregnancies can manifest painful symptoms on a par to those of complex ovarian cysts. The symptoms are mainly pelvic pain, pain before or after menstrual periods, and pain during sex. They could also notice unusual bleeding or an absence of their period.
A common way to confirm and diagnose ovarian cysts is a pelvic examination. Pelvic ultrasounds provide a more accurate picture of the extent or otherwise of a complex ovarian cyst. Doctors will often initiate a pregnancy test to eliminate pregnancy as the possible reason. They will also ask for blood tests to be conducted. When it is identified that a woman has a complex ovarian cyst, it is important that she seek urgent assistance if there is sudden, intense pain in the pelvic area as this may indicate a problem with the cyst.
Complex ovarian cysts must be tested to establish if they are cancerous or otherwise. Complex ovarian cysts are not cancerous in most cases. However, a physician must determine whether cancer is present through testing. Doctors can include consideration of the patient's age and symptoms in arriving at a diagnosis.
Find out more on ovarian cysts, by visiting symptoms of a ovarian cyst, including more on complex ovarian cysts and further details on dermoid cysts ovary.