Ovarian cyst on left ovary
A cyst is a closed sac, divided by a membrane from its surrounding structures.
Cyst can contain fluid or semi-solid components, and can occur in any structure in the body.
The ovary if part of the female reproductive system, and is responsible for the production of hormones, and “eggs”
The ovary in its development is made of 3 different parts and in any of these parts cysts can develop.
Functional ovarian cysts
The commonest type of cyst is a functional cyst, which forms as a consequence of the menstrual cycle.
During the menstrual cycle the ovary is very dynamic, in combination with other organs prepares for ovulation (the production of an egg).
In the first part of the menstrual cycle a few follicles are stimulated within the ovary, one of these follicles becomes dominant whilst the others are supposed to go back to sleep. If one of these non-dominant follicles persists in can swell with more fluid and become a FOLLICULAR CYST.
If ovulation takes place, in the second part of the cycle the ovary prepares for the possibility of fertilization, and a Corpus luteum forms with the aim of supporting a baby if fertilization takes place. If fertilization doesn’t take place this corpus luteum gets absorbed and the whole cycle starts again. If it persists even if ovulation does not take place it can become a LUTEAL CYST.
These are functional cysts and usually resolve spontaneously without any treatment. Even if women have symptoms of pain, simple analgesia is often sufficient whilst the cyst spontaneously resolves.
If the pain is bad it is best to be checked by the doctor, who will organize an ultrasound scan just to ensure that the cyst is not bleeding and that the cyst is not very large.
Once the symptoms subside a follow up scan is arranged for 6 weeks after the first presentation to ensure that the cyst has spontaneously resolved.
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