Ovarian masses, or ovarian cysts, are prevalent masses (growths) that develop inside a woman’s ovaries. There can be several types, but fortunately, we’re talking about benign ovarian masses. Most of them will even resolve on their own without any treatment. Rarely, they may lead to complications and may need medical attention.

In this article, our experts in obstetrics and gynecology in South Miami, Florida, will talk about ovarian masses, treatment options such as minimally invasive surgery, and discuss all the things you should know about these masses.

About Ovarian Cysts

These masses are usually sacs filled with semisolid materials or fluid, generally forming on both or only one of the ovaries, the small female organs in the pelvis that are responsible for progesterone and estrogen production, along with egg production. 

There are several types of cysts, and most of them are benign ovarian masses. Most women aren’t aware that they have them until their doctor finds these ovarian masses via ultrasound or during a routine pelvic exam. Also, in rare cases, these masses may cause some problems.

Types of Ovarian Masses

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Most benign ovarian masses are functional cysts forming in the body as responses to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Rarely, cysts may form for other reasons as well.

Functional cysts

As mentioned above, these are the most common ovarian masses and aren’t related to any disease. They are actually a byproduct of ovulation, the process in which an egg is released from the ovary. These ovarian masses usually signal that the patient’s ovaries are functioning well. Additionally, these masses tend to shrink as time goes by and resolve on their own within around 60 days.

Functional cysts can be the following:

  • Follicular cysts form on the small sac in the ovary called the follicle. This is what releases an egg every month during the menstrual cycle. Follicular cysts usually develop when the follicle fails to release an egg. Instead, these follicles fill up with fluid and become enlarged.
  • Corpus luteum cysts form after the follicle manages to release an egg. When released, the follicle creates the corpus luteum, a group of hormone-producing cells. These ovarian masses usually develop when the corpus luteum collects fluid.

Other Ovarian Masses

Not all cysts that form in the ovaries develop because of the menstrual cycle. They don’t always mean problems, but doctors will want to see these ovarian masses via ultrasound and monitor them to ensure they won’t cause problems later. These cysts may be the following: 

  • Endometriomas are cysts that consist of endometrial tissue.
  • Teratomas or dermoid cysts consist of cells comprising bodily tissue ranging from skin, teeth, hair, and even brain tissue.
  • Cystadenomas develop on the ovaries’ surface and may be filled with watery or almost mucous-like fluid. 
  • Ovarian cancer or cancerous tumors may also form in the ovaries in some cases. They often show an enlarged ovary altogether, depending on how the malignant cells divide.

Who Is At Risk?

Typically, anyone can develop ovarian cysts, but the following factors can increase the chances:

  • Pregnancy: Cysts are more likely to develop and stay during pregnancy.
  • Age: Cysts are the most common in premenopausal women.
  • Current medical status: Women with hormone problems and endometriosis may have a higher chance of developing these cysts. Also, taking certain medications like clomiphene may increase the risk.
  • History: If you had them before, you would likely develop them again.

These masses or extremely common, especially functional cysts. And for the most part, women will usually develop benign ovarian masses. Most of them are harmless and resolve without any treatment. They only cause problems in rare cases, and less than one percent of ovarian masses are cancerous. Still, your provider will monitor your ovarian masses closely to ensure there are no complications.

Causes and Symptoms 

As mentioned above, ovulation is the most prevalent cause of these masses. Still, abnormal cell production, pelvic inflammatory disease, and endometriosis are also known to induce cyst growth in the ovaries. 

Regarding symptoms, the smaller masses cause no symptoms. Still, larger masses may be able to produce the following:

  • Bloating in the lower belly
  • Pelvic pain
  • Dull backache
  • Dyspareunia or pain during sexual intercourse
  • Painful periods

Lingering symptoms may indicate another medical condition called PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome, which causes hormone-related issues, irregular periods, obesity, infertility, and even increased body hair growth.

Complications

For the most part, ovarian masses may lead to the following medical complications:

  • Ovarian cancer; although rare, masses that form after menopause have a higher chance of being cancerous, often leading to enlarged ovaries and other malignancy-related problems.
  • Ovarian torsion happens when cysts grow so large that they distort the ovary’s shape, sometimes twisting it. If it does, twisting may actually cause the ovary to die as it won’t get proper blood flow.
  • Ruptured cysts usually cause no problems if they are small, but larger masses may cause abdominal swelling and severe pain.

Diagnosing Ovarian Masses

First, doctors generally rule out pregnancy as the leading cause of cyst formation. Then, they might recommend the following tests to diagnose these masses:

  • Pelvic exams: The provider will feel inside the pelvic area for any changes and lumps.
  • Checking ovarian masses via ultrasound: Imaging procedures using sound waves for image creation are also effective at locating and diagnosing these masses.
  • Laparoscopy: A camera is inserted through an abdominal incision into the area so that the provider can observe the reproductive organs. During laparoscopy, providers may also perform minimally invasive surgery to remove any troubling cysts.

Treating Ovarian Masses

Adequate treatment will depend on several factors, like the patient’s symptoms, the cause of the cyst growth, and age. Still, treatment options are usually the following: 

Ovarian cyst medications

Providers may recommend hormone-containing compounds (like birth control pills) that will prevent ovulation and future cyst development.

Watchful waiting

As mentioned above, most cysts resolve on their own without any interventions. If a suspicious cyst is most likely to be functional, doctors may suggest waiting a bit and monitoring the development of the mass closely with frequent ultrasounds and follow-ups to see whether the cyst resolves or needs to be medically addressed.

Surgery

Portrait of Hispanic Woman Going Over Health History With Senior Nurse

When the masses grow and start to cause uncomfortable symptoms, doctors may suggest surgery to remove them. The type of surgery will depend on the location of the mass and how it shows itself on the ultrasound. Typically, there are two approaches to ovarian cyst surgery: 

  • Laparoscopy is the minimally invasive method we talked about above.
  • Laparotomy; this is a major procedure that involves opening up the peritoneal cavity. It is usually recommended in the case of huge cysts or when they may also be other health cancer.

Lastly, if the health provider suspects cancer, they may reach out to gynecological oncologists to discuss the best treatment options. 

Learn About Ovarian Cysts

Usually, hormone-containing compounds can stop ovulation, which may help with ovarian cysts. On the other hand, these masses rarely cause medical concerns. There’s always a great chance that a formed cyst is only a natural part of your menstrual cycle and will resolve soon. To be on the safe side, schedule regular pelvic exams with your provider so your provider can detect anything in time and help you better understand how your reproductive system works.

If you haven’t scheduled a pelvic exam yet, you can always count on our experts to perform your routine checkups. Contact us today.