6. Ovarian cysts

Question 1

What is a follicular cyst?

Answer 1

Sac on ovary that doesn’t release egg and fills up with fluid

Question 2

What is a luteal cyst?

Answer 2

Occurs when sac releases an egg then reseals and fills with fluid

Luteal cysts form on luteal half of the cycle. 1 in 10 women not on pill harbour a cyst and may not be aware of it, but have pain during ovulation - breach the ovarian capsule causing injury (breakage). The side of ovulation pain depends on which follicle becomes dominant

Question 3

Ovarian cysts

Answer 3

4th most common cause of gynaecology admissions
4% of all women in UK will be admitted with this by 65 years of age
Can be non-neoplastic or neoplastic
90% are benigng
Of surgically managed tumour:
13% in post-premenopausal group and 45% in post-menopausal group are malignant
The older the pt the more likely it is to be a malignant cyst

Question 4

Complications of ovarian cysts

Answer 4

Torsion - ovary twisting around the ligaments holding it in place, which can cut off the blood flow to the ovary and fallopian tube. Urgent and needs theatre to save the ovary
Rupture
Haemorrhage
Infection