OVARIAN CYSTS (2): SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND PROGRESSION
Dr. Claude Allouche, Gynecologist 
Ahuza Clinic, Raanana
📞 058 726 02 64
Can an ovarian cyst cause symptoms?
Ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic, discovered incidentally. However, they can sometimes cause:
- Pelvic pain: a feeling of heaviness or moderate pain on one side.
- Irregular periods: bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia).
- Urinary issues: frequent need to urinate (pollakiuria).
- Digestive problems: constipation or compression of nearby organs.
👉 Acute pain (due to torsion, hemorrhage, or cyst rupture) may indicate an emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Ovarian cysts and pregnancy: what to expect?
During pregnancy, ovarian cysts are often detected in the first trimester:
- Functional cysts: usually resolve on their own.
- Organic cysts: monitored via ultrasound, especially if larger than 6 cm.
👉 If necessary, treatment may be considered after delivery or during the second trimester, depending on the size and risk of complications.
How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?
1️⃣ Medical examination:
- Abdominal palpation and gynecological assessment.
- Sometimes accompanied by a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
2️⃣ Abdominopelvic ultrasound:
- Visualization of the cyst (size, content, wall thickness).
- Blood vessel analysis and indicators of benign or malignant nature.
- Detection of abdominal fluid (ascites).
👉 A follow-up ultrasound after 3 months can determine:
- Disappearance: functional cyst.
- Persistence: organic cyst, which may require monitoring or removal.
3️⃣ Blood tests:
- Tumor marker testing (especially post-menopause or in adolescents).
- Hormone levels to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
4️⃣ MRI or CT scans:
- Reserved for complex or large cysts.
Cyst progression and potential complications
1️⃣ Functional cysts: usually resolve spontaneously.
2️⃣ Organic cysts: require intervention to prevent complications such as:
- Ovarian torsion: sudden pain due to twisting, a surgical emergency.
- Intracystic hemorrhage: internal bleeding causing intense pain.
- Cyst rupture: acute pain followed by gradual relief.
- Ovarian abscess: rare, requiring antibiotics and surgery.
Learn More
📍 Visit Dr. Claude Allouche for additional information.
Source: Ameli.fr
ST (2): SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND PROGRESSION
Dr. Claude Allouche, Gynecologist
Ahuza Clinic, Raanana
📞 058 726 02 64
Can an ovarian cyst cause symptoms?
Ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic, discovered incidentally. However, they can sometimes cause:
- Pelvic pain: a feeling of heaviness or moderate pain on one side.
- Irregular periods: bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia).
- Urinary issues: frequent need to urinate (pollakiuria).
- Digestive problems: constipation or compression of nearby organs.
👉 Acute pain (due to torsion, hemorrhage, or cyst rupture) may indicate an emergency requiring immediate treatment.
Ovarian cysts and pregnancy: what to expect?
During pregnancy, ovarian cysts are often detected in the first trimester:
- Functional cysts: usually resolve on their own.
- Organic cysts: monitored via ultrasound, especially if larger than 6 cm.
👉 If necessary, treatment may be considered after delivery or during the second trimester, depending on the size and risk of complications.
How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?
1️⃣ Medical examination:
- Abdominal palpation and gynecological assessment.
- Sometimes accompanied by a Pap smear to screen for cervical cancer.
2️⃣ Abdominopelvic ultrasound:
- Visualization of the cyst (size, content, wall thickness).
- Blood vessel analysis and indicators of benign or malignant nature.
- Detection of abdominal fluid (ascites).
👉 A follow-up ultrasound after 3 months can determine:
- Disappearance: functional cyst.
- Persistence: organic cyst, which may require monitoring or removal.
3️⃣ Blood tests:
- Tumor marker testing (especially post-menopause or in adolescents).
- Hormone levels to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
4️⃣ MRI or CT scans:
- Reserved for complex or large cysts.
Cyst progression and potential complications
1️⃣ Functional cysts: usually resolve spontaneously.
2️⃣ Organic cysts: require intervention to prevent complications such as:
- Ovarian torsion: sudden pain due to twisting, a surgical emergency.
- Intracystic hemorrhage: internal bleeding causing intense pain.
- Cyst rupture: acute pain followed by gradual relief.
- Ovarian abscess: rare, requiring antibiotics and surgery.
Learn More
📍 Visit Dr. Claude Allouche for additional information.
Source: Ameli.fr