Ovarian Cyst Flashcards
What is an ovarian cyst?
A fluid filled sac on the ovaries
What are the types of ovarian cysts?
Functional cysts
- Follicular cysts
- Corpus luteum cysts
Dermoid cysts
Serous cystadenoma
Mucinous cystadenoma
What is a follicular cyst?
A follicle that fails to rupture and release the egg
What is corpus luteum cyst?
A corpus luteum that fails to break down when the body doesn’t get pregnant - it can fill with blood or fluid to form a cyst
What is a dermoid cyst?
A benign germ cell tumour (or teratoma) that contains hair, teeth, skin and bone
What is a serous cystadenoma?
Benign tumours of epithelial cells of the ovaries
What is a mucinous cystadenoma?
Another benign tumour of epithelial cells in the ovaries
They can grow larger than serous cystadenomas
What is the presentation of an ovarian cyst?
Pelvic pain
Bloating
Fullness in the abdomen
Palpable pelvic mass
What features suggest an ovarian malignancy?
Bloating
Reduced appetite
Early satiety
Weight loss
Urinary symptoms
Ascites
Lymphadenopathy
What are the risk factors for ovarian malignancy?
Age
Postmenopausal
Increased number of ovulations
Obesity
HRT
Smoking
Family history (BRCA genes)
What is the first line investigation for an ovarian cyst?
Transvaginal ultrasound
What further investigations may be performed in someone with an ovarian cyst?
CA125
MRI or CT abdo/pelvis
hCG and alpha feto protein
Laparoscopy
What are the differentials of an ovarian cyst?
Ovarian cancer
Ovarian torsion
PCOS
Uterine fibroids
PID
What is the management of simple ovarian cysts?
Less than 5cm
- Will resolve on their own in three cycles
5-7cm
- Routine referral and monitoring by ultrasound every year
> 7cm
- Consider MRI
What are the surgical management options of an ovarian cyst?
Laparotomy - ovarian cystectomy or oophorectomy
