The presence of a cyst can be seen during a pelvic examination. If its presence is suspected, then other tests are performed to determine the type and the need for treatment. Important data for the doctor include:
To determine the type of the cyst the following procedures are needed:
Through ultrasound, the cyst's presence, size, composition, and location are determined.
The use of 3D & 4D ultrasound is of interest for the accuracy they provide in diagnosis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: helps in refining the diagnosis.
- Laparoscopy. It is a minimally invasive intervention using three or four probes to detect and remove the cyst in the safest way and with fewer complications.
- CA 125 measurement which is a protein that usually increases in women with ovarian cancer, but can be found in above-normal values in non-cancerous conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Depending on the composition of the tumor, other markers such as CA-72-4, CA-19-9, and CEA may also be used.
The treatment depends on the age, type, size of the Cyst, and its accompanying symptoms:
Surgical interventions:
If the cyst is large, if it persists (remains) over 3 cycles, and if it causes pain or other symptoms. Some of the Cysts can be removed without removing the ovary, and this procedure is called cystectomy.
In some cases, the ovary may be removed along with the cyst, and this procedure is called oophorectomy.
The intervention can be done through an abdominal route, open or with laparoscopy, or through a transvaginal route.
But if the cystic mass is cancerous, the removal of the uterus along with the ovaries may be required.
Although there is no specific way to prevent the growth of cysts, what helps in early diagnosis is the performance of regular pelvic examinations as well as attention to the appearance of characteristic symptoms.