Post link copied to clipboard!
Are you fearful you might need ovarian cyst treatment in London? You’re not alone. These fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries are common, affecting many women at some point. But if you’ve been diagnosed and are seeking effective treatment options in the UK capital, this blog is your one-stop guide to navigating the path to feeling your best again.
Ovarian cysts are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that sometimes form on one of the ovaries. These cysts often cause no pain and show few or no symptoms. Many women will experience cysts at some point in their lives.
Cysts typically develop as part of the ovaries’ normal functioning. They are mostly harmless and usually disappear within a few months. Yet, if a cyst ruptures, it can cause intense pain.
Ovarian cysts can affect one ovary or both at the same time.
After ovulation, the follicle typically dissolves, but sometimes it remains and forms a cyst. Most cysts go unnoticed and cause no symptoms. However, mild symptoms can occur. These symptoms may include:
If you feel sudden and severe pelvic discomfort, seek medical attention immediately, whether from a private gynaecologist in London or your nearest gynaecology clinic.
Ovarian cysts fall into two main categories:
The most common type of ovarian cysts are functional ovarian cysts, which form as part of the menstrual cycle. They are usually harmless and disappear within two or three cycles.
These are less common and result from abnormal cell growth.
Certain conditions, like endometriosis, can also lead to ovarian cysts. In endometriosis, cells like the womb lining grow outside the womb and attach to the ovaries, forming cysts.
While most ovarian cysts are benign, a small number can be cancerous, especially in post-menopausal women.
Some women may develop polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), where the ovaries contain many small cysts, causing them to enlarge. Untreated PCOS can lead to infertility.
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle usually trigger functional cysts. The medications used to aid ovulation can also cause them. Sometimes, an underlying condition like endometriosis leads to cyst formation. In endometriosis, tissue resembling the womb’s lining grows in other areas, such as the fallopian tubes or ovaries, forming a painful cyst known as an endometrioma.
Lastly, pelvic infections can create abscesses, where cysts form and retain the infection.
If your doctor suspects you have an ovarian cyst, they might arrange for an ultrasound scan. Your doctor will check the cyst with follow-up scans every few weeks.
If there’s concern about the cyst being cancerous, the best private gynaecologist in London will recommend blood tests. These tests measure chemicals that can indicate ovarian cancer. However, high levels might also point to other conditions like endometriosis, pelvic infection, or fibroids.
Ovarian cysts come in various types. While most are non-cancerous (benign), some can be cancerous (malignant). Less than 1% of ovarian cysts before menopause turn out to be cancerous.
Corpus luteum cysts form when the follicle seals after releasing an egg, allowing fluid to accumulate inside. These cysts typically vanish within a month. They appear monthly to produce hormones supporting a potential pregnancy and disappear if no pregnancy occurs.
Cystadenomas arise from cells on the ovary’s surface. Though usually benign, they can occasionally become cancerous.
Dermoid cysts, or teratomas, develop when cells become trapped in ovarian tissue. These cysts are generally benign but can sometimes be malignant.
Endometriomas occur if you have endometriosis. These cysts form when endometrial-like cells attach to an ovary, causing a blood build-up.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) happens when multiple eggs start to mature but aren’t released, making the ovaries look like they have many small cysts.
When an egg fails to release from its follicle, follicle cysts form. These usually disappear within three months.
Ovarian cysts typically do not harm fertility. However, if they stem from conditions like endometriosis, fertility could be affected. Surgical treatments for cysts might also impact fertility by reducing the ovarian reserve or triggering early menopause. Before undergoing surgery, it’s wise to seek fertility advice from your doctor. Feel free to book an appointment with Top Gynaecologists Clinic in London.
Symptoms of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer are quite similar. Signs of ovarian cancer include:
If you experience these symptoms, choose the best ovarian cyst treatment in London with a private gynaecologist near you. We shall refer you for an ultrasound scan to check for cysts. If a cyst is detected, you may need a follow-up scan a few weeks later. If there’s a chance that the cyst is cancerous, your gynaecologist should set a CA125 blood test.
In most cases, ovarian cysts resolve within a few months without requiring treatment. However, if treatment is necessary, it will depend on factors like the cyst’s size, appearance, and whether you have undergone menopause.
Typically, doctors adopt a watchful waiting approach, meaning no immediate treatment other than a follow-up ultrasound a few weeks later to check if the cyst has disappeared.
For post-menopausal women, doctors may recommend regular ultrasound scans and blood tests. If the cyst persists, surgery becomes an option for removal, especially if there is a risk it could be cancerous.
Two types of surgical procedures can remove ovarian cysts:
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery. It involves making small incisions in the stomach. A tube-shaped microscope with a light is inserted through these cuts to remove the cyst.
For larger or potentially cancerous cysts, this procedure involves making a larger incision in the abdomen to remove the cyst and possibly the ovary for further testing. The wound is closed with staples or stitches. Doctors perform both surgeries under general anaesthesia.
If tests indicate the cyst is cancerous, further treatments, such as removing the ovaries and surrounding tissue, will follow.
For cysts caused by endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, treatments may include painkillers, hormone medication, or surgery.
