An ovarian cyst is a benign neoplasm in the female appendages with liquid contents inside. The tumor increases in size due to an increase in the amount of fluid inside the tumor. The tumor can strongly compress neighboring organs and structures, leading to complications. Specialists at the “Other Gynecology” clinic, who have extensive knowledge of gynecology, will be able to accurately answer the question “ Can a cyst develop into cancer ?”
Causes
The functional type of cyst occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance, including the balance of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone. Such cysts develop in women who have not reached reproductive age. Much less commonly diagnosed are tumors that practically do not grow due to high levels of hormones.
The following factors increase the likelihood of developing genital cysts:
- hormonal imbalances;
- genetic factors;
- metabolic diseases;
- numerous abortions and miscarriages;
- problems with the first menstruation (late or too early);
- inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs;
- late onset of menopause;
- taking potent drugs.
Symptoms
Sometimes ovarian cysts do not have a clear clinical picture and are often diagnosed accidentally. They are detected by ultrasound, gynecological examination of the vagina and cervix. Symptoms that indicate an ovarian cyst include the following:
- Feeling of pressure. The woman is bothered by aching pain in the lower third of the abdomen on the side where the tumor is located. Sometimes a small cyst can be very painful, but a large one may not hurt at all. If the cyst is of endometrioid origin, then the pain intensifies with the onset of menstruation.
- Disruptions of the menstrual cycle. Your period may be late or come very early. During the period between menstruation, bleeding is observed.
Complications of an ovarian cyst include torsion of the pedicle and rupture with the release of contents into the abdominal cavity. This causes severe pain that comes on suddenly. If bleeding opens into the abdominal cavity, the pain may be localized in the anal area, which leads to the inability to sit down. In this case, you must immediately call an ambulance for emergency intervention.
Diagnostics
The first stage of the examination is a conversation with the patient, during which the doctor identifies complaints and medical history. A gynecological examination reveals a round formation in the ovarian area, which is denser than the organ itself.
The pathology diagnostic program includes the following:
- General blood analysis. It is important to perform it if a rupture, inflammation or torsion is suspected.
- Blood chemistry. It allows you to identify tumor markers that indicate a cancerous tumor.
- Ultrasound of the pelvis. Supplementing the method with Dopplerography will make it possible to assess the size and structure of the neoplasm, the degree of blood supply and determine the type of cyst.
After removing the ovarian cyst, the material is sent for histological examination to exclude or confirm an oncological process.
Can an ovarian cyst turn into cancer?
The prognosis for the transition of a benign form to a malignant one is determined by the health status of each woman individually. The development of this process is facilitated by genetic factors and abnormalities in the structure of the ovaries.
The transition to an oncological form occurs under the following factors:
- numerous abortions;
- genetic predisposition (if there are other women in the family with cancer of the reproductive system);
- metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorders);
- gynecological pathologies due to hormonal disorders;
- smoking and alcohol abuse.
Rehabilitation
With laparoscopic surgery, the woman can go home after three days. Before discharge, an ultrasound, dressing and gynecological examination are performed. A woman is allowed to move actively, but she is not allowed to have sex for a week. Until the wounds heal completely, it is important to eat gentle food.
