Complex Ovarian Cysts

There is quite a number  women who do suffer great pain from complex ovarian cysts. The next question they would ask could be simple "why". Therefore, let's take look what complex ovarian cysts are all about.

Overlook Complex Ovarian Cysts

What is a Complex Ovarian Cyst Mass?

• Complex cysts include solid components in addition to fluid
• There are three types of complex ovarian cysts:
  - Cysts that are formed from egg cells are dermoid cysts
  -Endometriosis causes endometrioma cysts
  -Cysts formed from ovarian tissue are cystadenomas

How to Tell if your Ovarian Cyst Is Complex?

Photos - Complex Ovarian Cyst: Example of spontaneous involution of complex ovarian cyst in 7-day-old girl. (Courtesy of www.ajronline.org)

• Your physician will do a manual pelvic examination
• An ultrasound can confirm your doctor’s diagnosis
• A trans vaginal ultrasound may be done
• Symptoms may be similar to pregnancy and endometriosis, tests are done to rule these out
• A CA 125 blood test is conducted to test for endometriomas and cancer
• Complex ovarian cysts generally do not break down on their own

Is a Complex Ovarian Cyst Dangerous?

• Complex ovarian cysts can be fatal if they are not treated
• Complex ovarian cysts may be cancerous

Pain from Complex Ovarian Cysts

• Enlarged cystedonomas can cause the ovary to twist which is extremely painful
• Pain may radiate from the pelvis to thighs and buttocks
• There may be pain with sexual intercourse
• Pain may occur before or after menstrual periods

Pathophysiology of Complex Ovarian Cyst

• A complex ovarian cyst contains solid and fluid components
• Irregular borders may be present in complex ovarian cysts
• Ultrasound may show hair strands
• Complex ovarian cyst septa may be present, these are internal walls which create separate spaces within the cyst

Ovarian Complex Cyst Versus Solid Mass

• Solid masses may be fibromas, granulosa cell tumor, and Brenner tumors
• A fibroma is a benign tumor composed of fibrous or connective tissue
• Granulosa cell tumors are composed of granulosa cells, theca cells and fibroblasts, and often produce estrogen
• Brenner tumors are solid, and contain epithelial cells and fibrous connective tissue
• Ovarian complex cysts look different in ultrasound tests than other masses.

Complex Ovarian Cysts and MRI

• An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is more accurate than a pelvic ultrasound in identifying hemorrhagic cysts and endometriomas
• Ultrasound may not show the difference between solid tumors, complex ovarian cysts and mature cystic teratomas.