Ovarian Cysts

On this page

Intro & Functional Cysts - Ovary's Bubble Trouble

  • Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs in/on ovary. Often asymptomatic.
    • Types: Functional (commonest) vs. Neoplastic.
  • Functional Cysts: Hormone-related, usually benign, resolve spontaneously.
    • Follicular: Unruptured follicle. Most common. Usually <3 cm. Resolve in 1-2 cycles. Ovarian Cysts: Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
    • Corpus Luteum: Failed CL involution. Progesterone → delayed menses. Often hemorrhagic. Usually 3-5 cm. Resolve in 1-3 months.
    • Theca Lutein: Bilateral, multiple. Due to ↑hCG (molar pregnancy, ovulation induction). Resolve with ↓hCG.
    • Symptoms (if any): Dull ache, dyspareunia, menstrual irregularities.
    • Complications (rare): Torsion, rupture, hemorrhage.

⭐ Most functional ovarian cysts resolve spontaneously within 1-3 cycles; observation is key in asymptomatic premenopausal women.

Benign Neoplastic Cysts - Not-So-Nasty Neoplasms

  • Epithelial Tumors: Most common benign ovarian neoplasms.
    • Serous Cystadenoma:
      • Most common benign epithelial tumor (overall).
      • Often bilateral (15-25%).
      • Lined by fallopian tube-like epithelium; psammoma bodies may be seen.
    • Mucinous Cystadenoma:
      • Can grow very large.
      • Multiloculated, filled with gelatinous material.
      • Risk of pseudomyxoma peritonei if ruptured (esp. borderline types).
  • Germ Cell Tumors:
    • Mature Cystic Teratoma (Dermoid Cyst):
      • Most common ovarian neoplasm in women < 20 years.
      • Contains elements from ≥ 2 germ layers (e.g., hair, teeth, sebum).
      • High risk of torsion (10-15%).
      • Struma ovarii: teratoma with >50% thyroid tissue; may cause hyperthyroidism.
  • Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors:
    • Fibroma/Thecoma/Fibrothecoma:
      • Solid, firm tumors.
      • Fibromas can be associated with Meigs syndrome.

Meigs Syndrome: Triad of ovarian fibroma (or other benign solid pelvic tumor), ascites, and pleural effusion. Symptoms resolve post-tumor removal. Crucial to differentiate from malignancy causing effusions.

Symptoms & Diagnosis - Cyst Detective Work

  • Symptoms:
    • Often asymptomatic.
    • Pain: dull ache; acute (torsion, rupture, hemorrhage); dyspareunia.
    • Menstrual dysfunction (hormonal cysts).
    • Pressure (large cysts): urinary frequency, bloating. Abdominal distension.
    • Hormonal: virilization, precocious puberty/postmenopausal bleeding (PMB).
  • Diagnosis:
    • Pelvic Exam: Adnexal mass/tenderness.
    • Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS): Key investigation.
      • Simple: unilocular, anechoic, smooth walls, posterior enhancement.
      • Complex: septations, solid areas, papillary projections, ↑Doppler flow. (IOTA criteria).
    • Tumor Markers (if suspicious, esp. postmenopausal/complex):
      • CA-125, AFP, β-hCG, LDH, Inhibin.
    • MRI: for complex masses. Laparoscopy: diagnostic & therapeutic.

⭐ CA-125 >35 U/mL is suspicious in postmenopausal women with a pelvic mass; less specific in premenopausal.

Ultrasound features of complex ovarian cysts

Management & Complications - Handling Cyst Chaos

  • Strategy: Based on symptoms, cyst type, age, RMI.
  • Conservative:
    • Asymptomatic simple cysts:
      • Premenopausal: <5cm observe; 5-7cm yearly USG.
      • Postmenopausal: <1cm & normal CA-125.
    • Medical: OCPs (functional), analgesics.
  • Surgical (Laparoscopy preferred):
    • Indications: Symptomatic, large (>7cm premeno), complex (↑RMI), complications.
    • Types: Cystectomy, oophorectomy. Ultrasound: Right ovary with multiple cysts
  • Complications & Acute Care:
    • Ovarian Torsion: Acute severe pain, N/V. USG Doppler (↓ flow). 📌 Surgical emergency!

      ⭐ Ovarian torsion requires prompt surgical detorsion to preserve ovarian function. Delay risks necrosis.

    • Rupture/Hemorrhage: Acute pain, shock. Supportive; surgery if unstable.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Functional cysts (follicular, corpus luteum) are most common.
  • Serous cystadenoma: most common benign epithelial tumor. Serous cystadenocarcinoma: most common malignant.
  • CA-125: key tumor marker for epithelial ovarian cancer.
  • Dermoid cysts (mature cystic teratomas): most common germ cell tumor; may show calcification (e.g., teeth).
  • Meigs syndrome triad: ovarian fibroma, ascites, and pleural effusion.
  • Simple cysts <5 cm in premenopausal women: usually observed. Postmenopausal cysts: investigate further.
  • Ovarian torsion: presents with acute severe pain, a common surgical emergency related to cysts.

Practice Questions: Ovarian Cysts

Test your understanding with these related questions

All of the following ovarian tumors usually occur bilaterally, except:

1 of 5

Flashcards: Ovarian Cysts

1/10

A functional cyst of size should be followed up with _____ every 3 months while simultanously checking her CA-125 levels

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

A functional cyst of size should be followed up with _____ every 3 months while simultanously checking her CA-125 levels

USG

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial