Thursday, January 1, 2009

Types Of Ovarian Cysts That Can Develop

By Rebecca Wincup

Functional ovarian cysts are not uncommon for many women and in most cases do not warrant much cause for concern. Indeed, 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.

A follicular cyst can develop when a mature follicle falls in on itself or when ovulation fails to occur. Follicular cysts are termed a simple class of ovarian cyst. To this extent they produce no symptoms. Follicular cysts can grow to approximately 2.3 inches across but will usually disappear by themselves within a few months of first appearance.

An ovarian gland will produce progesterone during the ovulation portion of the monthly cycle of menstruation when the egg is released, and this is when a corpus luteum cyst could potentially develop. When a corpus luteum is healthy, it is approximately one inch in diameter, round in shape, and fluid filled. Corpus luteum cysts do not usually have noticeable symptoms. They can develop at the end of a menstrual cycle or early on during a pregnancy. Many of them do not require treatment, and, fortunately, disappear on their own.

As the name suggests, a hemorrhagic cyst is a type of functional ovarian cyst that releases blood. Though it is rare for these type of ovarian cyst to burst, when they do burst they leak blood and cause a burning sensation across the pelvic area. However, hemorrhagic cysts are fairly common and do not normally require treatment. Doctors may surgically remove hemorrhagic cysts when they think it indicates the presence of endometriosis.

Women can develop dermoid cysts at any time and age, but they are more common during the childbearing years. A dermoid cyst is one type of an ovarian cyst that grows from the totipotential germ cell in the ovaries. Tissues such as bone, teeth and hair can form from this ovarian cell. Dermoid cysts may contain solid physical tissue. Indded, in some cases doctors have found hair and teeth forming in these cysts. Treatment for these types of cysts is to remove them as they can block the flow of blood to the ovaries.

An ovarian cyst that is pathological includes both tumors and endometriosis. These are not common and can only be found after examination by a doctor. A tumor can be defined as a pathological ovarian cyst and be either cancerous or not, benign or malignant. Tumors need to be dealt with as soon as they are discovered. A tumor is generally 6 cm or over, thick walled and persistent. On the other hand women in their prime reproductive years will often develop endometrioid cysts. These endometrioid cysts are present when a woman has endometriosis and are formed when a portion of endometrial tissue bleeds, falls off and then becomes transplanted in the ovaries.

The different types of ovarian cysts must be diagnosed and treated appropriately. Pathological cysts can be potentially more serious than simple or functional cysts. However, all women should seek assistance from their doctor, especially if they are noticing any symptoms common to having ovarian cysts.

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