Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis and Treatment: No Need to Worry
Ovarian cysts are one of the most common gynecological conditions in women of reproductive age. Although hearing the words “you have a cyst” during a routine examination creates justified anxiety in many women, the vast majority of these cysts are completely benign, carry no risk of cancer, and usually disappear on their own within a few menstrual cycles. The important thing is to correctly identify the type of the cyst and to have it followed up regularly by a specialist physician.
Op. Dr. Sadık Sözdinler offers modern treatment approaches for his patients diagnosed with ovarian cysts in Izmir, avoiding unnecessary surgical interventions, respecting the tissue, and focusing on preserving the patient’s fertility.
What is an Ovarian Cyst and Why Does It Occur?
Ovarian cysts are usually fluid-filled sacs that form inside or on the surface of the ovaries. As part of a woman’s normal menstrual cycle, small cysts called follicles form in the ovaries every month and rupture. As part of this natural process, follicles that do not rupture can continue to grow and form simple ovarian cysts.
The most common types of cysts are:
Simple (Follicular) Cysts: They occur as a normal result of the menstrual cycle, usually cause no symptoms, and disappear on their own within 1-2 months.
Chocolate Cyst (Endometrioma): These are cysts filled with a dense brown fluid, formed by the inner lining of the uterus settling and bleeding in the ovaries. It can cause severe menstrual pain and infertility.
Dermoid Cysts: These are cysts originating from congenital cells that can contain tissues such as hair, teeth, or fat.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal condition characterized by the presence of many small cysts arranged like a string of pearls in the ovaries, menstrual irregularity, hair growth, and weight gain.
What are the Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst?
Most ovarian cysts do not cause any symptoms and are only discovered by chance during routine ultrasound examinations. However, when a cyst grows, bleeds, or twists on itself (torsion), it can lead to the following complaints:
Mild or severe, continuous pain in the lower abdomen and groin area
Menstrual irregularities, delays, or spotting
Bloating, indigestion, or a feeling of pressure in the abdomen
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Sudden, stabbing severe groin pain, nausea, and vomiting in case the cyst twists on itself (torsion) or ruptures (This situation requires immediate medical intervention).
How is an Ovarian Cyst Treated?
Treatment planning for ovarian cysts is determined individually according to the size of the cyst, its ultrasound appearance, the patient’s age, the severity of her complaints, and her future pregnancy plans.
Regular Follow-up (Wait and See): If the cyst is small, filled with clear fluid (simple cyst), and does not cause complaints in the patient, usually no medication or surgery is recommended. Whether the cyst has shrunk or not is followed up with an ultrasound check 1-2 months later.
Medication Treatment: Although they do not directly affect the shrinkage of cysts, birth control pills can be prescribed to prevent the formation of new cysts and to ensure hormonal balance.
Surgical Treatment (Laparoscopic Cyst Surgery): If the cyst is very large, continues to grow constantly, causes severe pain, carries a suspicion of being malignant, or is in the form of a chocolate/dermoid cyst, surgical intervention may be required.
In our clinic, ovarian cyst surgeries are performed with the Laparoscopy (Closed Surgery) method using advanced technology. Our basic principle in these surgeries performed through millimeter-sized incisions opened from the belly button is to only remove the cyst without damaging the healthy ovarian tissue and to protect the woman’s reproductive capacity (fertility) at the maximum level. Thanks to the closed surgery, our patients feel much less pain, do not have a prominent incision scar on their bodies, and can return to their daily lives within a few days.
You can schedule your examination to secure your health, have your existing cysts monitored, or find permanent solutions offered by modern medicine for your complaints.
