Excruciating pain from an ovarian cyst
Dear Dr Mitchell,
Some weeks ago I felt excruciating pain on my left side, in the pelvic area. There was a constant, dull aching for about a week, and I was nauseous. There was also pressure in my abdomen, and I felt full but had no appetite. I figured that it was an ovarian cyst (I had one on an ultrasound way back, but there was no pain). I didn’t go to the doctor, because it wasn’t my appendix and the pain was consistent with what I read about cysts. Also, from what I read, there is not much that a doctor can offer in terms of treatment. I want to know exactly what could have happened, and why. Is it that the cyst could have twisted or burst? What’s the likelihood of this happening again? I am 43 years old.
The presence of severe pelvic pain, nausea, loss of appetite and pelvic pressure are significant symptoms which suggest that you should seek urgent medical attention.
On the background of a history of an ovarian cyst in the past this could be a definite warning that the ovarian cyst has recurred and is either leaking, ruptured, or has undergone torsion. A leaking or ruptured cyst can initially cause a localised pain on the side that the cyst is on but with time the pain can become generalised and affect the entire abdomen.
Torsion of an ovarian cyst is an emergency. This means that the ovary has twisted itself on the pedicle that carries the blood supply to the ovary. If this is not dealt with as an emergency the ovary could lose its entire function, and this can cause you to become extremely ill since this can result in severe infection in the abdomen that can spread to the bloodstream.
Some ovarian cysts are described as simple cysts, and these can sometimes resolve without any surgery. If you have a solid ovarian tumour this can be a sign of ovarian cancer, and this should be removed. You should definitely seek urgent medical attention and get an ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis done to determine the exact underlying cause of your abdominal pain. The pain could also be due to other factors such as abnormal growth or stone in the kidney or ureter and bowel.
You should also get a blood test to check on your tumour markers to rule out ovarian cancer or endometriosis in the ovary.
As you get older — and certainly over 40 years — your risk of cancer increases, and it is important to investigate any changes in your body to ensure that any significant problem can be detected and treated early.
Consult your doctor who will advise you further.
Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an obstetrician and gynaecologist. Send questions via e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com; write to All Woman, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5 or fax to 876-968-2025. All responses are published. Dr Mitchell cannot provide personal responses.
DISCLAIMER:
The contents of this article are for informational purposes only and must not be relied upon as an alternative to medical advice or treatment from your own doctor.
