Complex Ovarian Cysts
Confused Ovarian Cysts
There are many different ways for your doctor to deal with complex ovarian cysts. Ordinary ovarian cysts are much simpler to deal with and treat than these kinds of cysts. When a cyst is of the complex type it is much more serious to deal with since it is made up of both liquid and solid material. While most cysts are harmless and dissolve on their own, the complex ovarian cyst can be very dangerous if it ruptures. You might not even know at the time that you even have an ovarian cyst.
Risk Factors to be Aware of
As with most serious medical conditions, there are vital things that you should know. These complex cysts carry a certain amount of risk depending on your past history with ovarian cysts. If you have had ovarian cysts before, then there is a greater chance of you having larger more serious cysts.
Another complication is having irregular periods. Doctors prescribe birth control pills a lot of the time to help regulate a woman’s periods. If you do not take these and have sporadic periods, then you are more vulnerable to complex ovarian cysts. The age at which you start having your menstrual cycle is a factor as well. If you started having your cycles at the age of 11, then you are more likely to have problems with complex ovarian cysts.
Obesity is another risk factor to be faced with ovarian cysts. Too much fat in the upper body can cause reproductive issues which include cysts. Keeping yourself a healthy weight can reduce the risks of ovarian cysts. Weight issues and thyroid problems are sometimes linked and hyperthyroidism can also raise your chances of having cysts.
Another thing that causes high risks of complex ovarian cysts is breast cancer treatments. The cancer fighting drug Tamoxifen can increase the incidence of ovarian cysts. Most women do not understand the genetic link to ovarian cysts. If your mother had problems with cysts, then you more than likely will too. This is important information that should not be ignored.
Ovarian Cyst Detection Process
If you have any of the above listed risk factors, getting regular checkups is very important. Talk with your doctor and make him aware of any history of ovarian cysts in your family as well as any cancer that runs in your family. This will alert the doctor to be sure and make a thorough examination of your ovaries. Since the complex ovarian cysts can become very serious very quickly, be sure not to miss any exam appointments.
If your doctor, after an exam, believes that you have a cyst, there are quite a few steps to be taken to make sure. An endovaginal ultrasound might be done to determine exactly what kind of cyst that you have. Other tests may be called for to determine the seriousness of your condition as well. They may also do a CT scan or MRI as well. One common blood test is the CA125 blood test which looks for cancer antigens. Once ovarian cancer has been ruled out, the doctor will go over removal options for the complex ovarian cyst.
