Ovarian cysts are collections of fluid within the ovaries. They don't always show ovarian cancer; ovaries will oftentimes develop tame cysts known as functional cysts throughout your menstrual cycle. Cysts may also be part of other situations, like endometriosis, which aren't ovarian cancer. But somewhile, mainly after a woman has gone through menopause, ovarian cysts may become to be a very early ovarian cancer symptom.
Subtle Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst
An ovarian cyst might have no symptoms or a few barely noticeable ones. That means these cysts are hard to discover and cure.
"The trouble with any ovarian neoplasm or growing is that they can be absolutely (without symptoms) or they can have subtle symptoms, such as feeling gassy, pressure, or urinating more," says Colleen Feltmate, MD, a gynecologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, both in Boston.
Some people, she says, can have changes in bowel movements, or small changes in their gastrointestinal tract. "That can be really subtle, and it can happen with benign cysts or cancerous cysts."
Most frequently, a cyst is detected when a patient is being examined for something else, says Dr. Feltmate.
Not-So-Subtle Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
On rare occasions, ovarian cysts can hurt and be easier to spot, says Feltmate. "A cyst can show with pain, or nausea and pain."
An ovarian cyst can cause significant symptoms. These are:
- Bleeding abnormalities
- Pain in the abdominal area, pelvis, the low back, and the thighs
- Painful intercourse and menstruation
- Sore breasts
- Trouble urinating
- Weight gain
Ovarian Cysts = Ovarian Cancer ?
Feltmate tells that most simple cysts do not change into ovarian cancer. "Cycling cysts are very normal and aren't necessarily very concerning."
But in older women who have gone through menopause — most frequently those between the ages of 50 and 70 years old — cysts are more likely to be ovarian cancer. Anyone in that age group, or anyone with symptoms of an ovarian cyst that won't go away, should be tested to specify if the cyst is cancerous.
"In post-menopausal women these symptoms are not expected, and they should see their doctor," Feltmate says. "Anyone should be seen if symptoms insist for over a period of time."
Ovarian Cancer Test
A number of tests are done to specify whether an ovarian cyst is exactly ovarian cancer. An ultrasound is usually done first. A laparoscopic surgical procedure, in which a tiny camera is inserted into the area through small abdominal incisions, can also be done to view and remove the ovarian cyst.
Other tests can help specify if the cyst is malignant or tame. The CA-125 blood test and even a pregnancy test can offer clues as to what type of ovarian cyst that you have. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test and a pelvic exam could also be done to find cysts.
It's very important for anyone with insistent symptoms to mention them to their doctor. Treatment could be as easy as keeping an eye on it, or as serious as surgery to remove the cyst. Being standby of ovarian cysts and working with your doctor to observe them can help cover you against ovarian cancer.
Source:
>> EverydayHealth
Image:
>> MetroHealth
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