Symptoms
The signs that a cyst has developed are very diverse. In addition to the size and location of the formation in the ovary, they depend on various factors such as blood circulation. Generally speaking, the larger the cyst, the more likely it is to cause symptoms.
Large cysts can then be palpated in the vagina by the gynaecologist during the physical examination. In most cases, however, the cysts are recognized during an ultrasound examination as a chance finding and do not cause the woman concerned any discomfort. Only from a size of approx.
5 cm onwards do patients report complaints in the form of a feeling of pressure, dull abdominal pain or back pain. Ovarian cysts of even greater size can cause severe abdominal pain when they displace other internal organs. Pain occurs during sexual intercourse or defecation and a feeling of fullness when pressure is applied to the digestive system.
Complications
In 10% of cases small cysts may burst. This usually does not lead to complications. In most cases it is harmless and only in a few cases is it conspicuous by abdominal pain.
But not every cyst bursts. Small cysts can also be broken down by the body itself and disappear apparently without a trace. However, if a cyst that is connected to a blood vessel in the ovary bursts, life-threatening bleeding can occur in the abdominal cavity.
In these very rare cases, immediate surgery is necessary and may save lives. This is indicated by sudden, severe pain in the lower part of the abdomen. Therefore, close monitoring is particularly important in order to detect changes in size at an early stage.
Ovarian cysts can also develop with a stem on the surface of the ovary. This can twist and blood vessels running in it can be tied off. If they also supply the ovary itself, this can lead to the death of the ovary.
If it breaks off, life-threatening bleeding can occur here as well, which must be stopped immediately. After the removal of the ovarian cyst, it is necessary to wait and see if the undersupplied ovary recovers, otherwise it must be removed. In very rare cases, a cyst can develop at the base of an ovarian cancer, a malignant cancer.
Especially in older women after menopause, this risk should not be underestimated and controls of the ovarian cyst should be taken very carefully. The reason for this is simply that the probability of hormone-related cysts after the hormonal change in the menopause is simply very low, and the cyst is then more likely to have a different origin. In any case, a closer look should be taken at ovarian cysts in patients over the age of 40. Every new cyst that occurs should be clarified more and more closely.
