Ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled growth in a woman’s ovaries. This may happen in just one of the ovaries or even both of the ovaries. Usually ovarian cysts are harmless and often go away on their own. Sometimes, ovarian cyst can grow so much and rupture, or cause damages to the ovary.

They may grow so much to cause displacement of other reproductive organs or twist themselves. Damage from a ruptured ovarian cyst may cause scar tissue build-up, and/or the formation of adhesion, attaching the ovary to other parts of the internal body.

Ovarian cysts are most common in women of childbearing years, but can rarely develop in postmenopausal women. A woman’s ovaries are about the size and shape of an almond. It is amazing that something so small and delicate can hold thousands of eggs at birth. It is also quite amazing that something so small can develop a cyst. In fact, ovarian cysts can become quite large over time.

Types of Ovarian Cysts


Functional Ovarian Cysts

During a woman’s cycle, the ovaries produce follicles, which are like a cyst and contain the egg to be released during ovulation. As ovulation nears, the follicle begins to grow. Follicles also produce and release both oestrogen and progesterone hormones. An ovarian cyst that forms due to a malfunction in the follicle is known as a functional cyst. There are two types of functional cysts:

a. Follicular cyst: This happens when the follicle fails to rupture and release the egg at ovulation, it continues to grow therefore forming a cyst.

b. Corpus Luteum cyst: This happens when the follicle does release the egg at ovulation. The follicle changes to what is called the corpus luteum. The opening in the follicle where the egg was released seals off, accumulating fluid, causing the corpus luteum to grow into a cyst.

Other Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are other types of ovarian cysts that form on the ovaries, but they are not related to the menstrual cycle.

Dermoid cyst: These cysts are considered complex and develop from cells that produce human eggs. Because of this, these types of cyst may contain hair, teeth, or skin. They are rarely cancerous.

Cystadenomas: This type of cyst develops from ovarian tissue and is filled with liquid or mucous.

Endometriomas: This type of cyst forms when endometrial cells attach to the ovary and form a growth (endometriosis).

The above 3 types of ovarian cysts may cause damages to the ovary, including twisting, scar tissue and adhesion formation. Both Dermoid and Cystadenomas may cause the ovary to become very large and displaced

Polycystic ovaries: This is associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), the ovary may be enlarged, usually twice the size of a...https://planbwellness.com/cyst/