Are Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy Dangerous?

Medical Video: Ovarian Cysts | Q&A with Dr. Wang

The ovary is an organ located between the pelvis of the human body. In the ovary, there is a bag filled with fluid or commonly known as a follicle. It is from this follicle that the eggs are released regularly at certain times (fertilization or ovulation). The egg that is released will go to the fallopian tube and the follicle will melt. But in some conditions, the follicle does not melt and actually develops into ovarian cysts, even during pregnancy.

What is an ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled cavities, which are limited by connective tissue, so that they look like a balloon filled with water, which is located on a woman's ovary (ovary). Generally these cysts are small, about 5 cm in diameter, and can form at any time, both during puberty, during menopause, even during pregnancy. In other words, the formation of ovarian cysts during pregnancy is normal.

Who is at risk for ovarian cysts?

The formation of ovarian cysts is often unexpected. This is because its formation has symptoms that are not easily detected. Some times it doesn't even cause symptoms. In many cases, new ovarian cysts are detected when you do a routine ultrasound examination, at the beginning of the second trimester.

The presence of ovarian cysts is influenced by several risk factors, including:

Has a history of ovarian cysts
Menstrual cycle that is not smooth
Obesity (obesity)
The first menstruation is too early (at age less than 11 years) and
Absence of offspring
Age, especially with women who have experienced menopause. This factor will be more risky if you are exposed to ovarian cancer as well
Smoking habit.

When should ovarian cysts during pregnancy be watched out?

Ovarian cysts consist of several types. The most common type is a functional type of cyst. Functional cysts often appear during conception.

Different types, also different effects given. Another type of ovarian cyst is endometriosis. In women with this type of ovarian cyst, in addition to the ovary, tissue from the uterine lining grows also in other parts of the body. Symptoms of these cysts can be very painful, even potentially affecting pregnancy.

In addition there are also ovarian cystadenomas and dermoid cysts. Although most cysts are benign, some of these two types of cysts have the potential for cancer. If your ovarian cyst starts to hurt, your doctor will usually recommend surgery.

How do you find out if the cyst is potentially cancerous?

Some medical actions will be taken to diagnose your cyst or tumor, including:

Ultrasound. Tests that are carried out use sound waves to produce an image of your ovary.
Other imaging tests such as: CT, MRI, PET. Tests with detailed drawing skills to determine the extent to which your cyst or tumor has developed
Hormone test. Your doctor will probably do a blood test by taking some of your hormones such as: LH, FSH, testosterone.
Laparoscopy, a surgical procedure to remove the cyst.
CA-125. This is done if the doctor begins to suspect that your cyst is potentially cancerous. Often this test is used for women aged 35 years, because at that age, you risk being exposed to high ovarian cancer.

Most ovarian cysts are benign. Very rare cases of ovarian cysts are malignant, let alone potentially cancerous. But need to be aware if you begin to feel the following symptoms:

Flatulence and feeling full
The stomach feels pressed
Pain every time you have sex
Increased frequency of urination
Abnormal hair growth
Fever as well
Difficulty eating
Cysts don't heal or disappear within a few months

These symptoms can be signs if your ovarian cyst has developed into ovarian cancer. If your doctor suspects cancer in your body, the doctor will do a biopsy and take samples from your cyst to finally really decide whether your cyst is potentially cancerous.