How do I know if I have an ovarian cyst
Dear Dr Mitchell:
Congratulations on the work you are doing, this is a great medium allowing women to express their concerns and ask questions that sometimes are a little embarrassing to talk to a man about openly.
My question doc, is what causes ovarian cysts and what if any are the symptoms of this? Do you think it is life-threatening? Should I be worrying about this?
I was told by my doctor in January 2003, after doing an ultrasound, that I have an ovarian cyst. Since then, I have not done another ultrasound. He gave me some tablets and I took half of the medication because I couldn’t afford to fill all of it. He recommended the ultrasound because I told him I was having irregular periods. Since the year began, I have had my periods up to March 1, but there have been none up to the present, so I am a bit worried. I am really not sure about what to do. The last time I had sex was in March, I am not a regular where sex is concerned.
I am,
Worried one
26 years old
Dear worried one,
An ovarian cyst is an abnormal growth in the ovary. This abnormality may be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). The exact cause of an ovarian cyst is not known. Some ovarian cysts are considered as functional cysts and these are usually benign. They develop during the process of maturation of the egg and after ovulation occurs, may persist. In this case, the cyst is called a corpus luteum cyst.
Ovarian tumours (cysts) that are malignant tend to occur more frequently in women who have very few children or no children, women who have children late in life and those who have an early onset of the menstrual period and late menopause (cessation of the period). The underlying problem here is incessant (uninterrupted) ovulation. On the other hand, anything that reduces the frequency of ovulation such as the use of hormonal contraception, for example, the birth control pills or injection gives a protective benefit against ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cysts may be totally asymptomatic, thus causing no problems. However, some common problems which the patient may encounter include lower abdominal pains (torsion, that is twisting of the ovary on its pedicle), rupture of the cyst or bleeding into the cyst, a swelling in the abdomen, fluid in the abdomen, causing distention of the abdomen. If the cyst is cancerous the patient may present with evidence of involvement of other organs and so present with vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite or weight loss. These are late features, however, and usually suggest a poor outcome.
In view of the fact that you have irregular periods with an ovarian cyst confirmed on ultrasound, it is possible that you have a condition called polycystic ovarian disease. This is a condition associated with multiple small cysts in the ovaries, irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant excessive weight gain, excessive hair growth on the face, chest and body. This can be treated, however, so you should have the repeat ultrasound done to rule this out. You also need to get a pregnancy test done to rule out pregnancy as a cause of the missed period.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is a gynaecologist and obstetrician. Send us your questions on any women’s health issue. Send response to Dr Sharmaine Mitchell, c/o all woman at the Jamaica Observer, 40-42 Beechwood Ave, Kingston 5.
