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The Basics of Ovarian Cysts - Get The Facts 

An ovarian cyst is a sac that contains either a fluid or a fluid and solid mixture. They can form on the inside or on the exterior of an ovary. While cysts might rupture, bleed, or become painful requiring surgery, most of the time, they cause no harm and will disappear by themselves.
Ovarian cysts have a large variety of types and they can manifest in a broad range of sizes. Most are about the size of a pea but in some rare occasions they may measure over 40 inches in diameter and weigh about 100 pounds. Ovarian cysts can display a broad range of symptoms, from extreme pain to no symptoms at all. There are many causes of ovarian cysts, but most are the result of the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cysts commonly affect women in their reproductive years, but they can still occur at any age. Roughly fifteen percent of all cases of ovarian cysts happen to women after their reproductive years. During menopause, women are at greater risk for having cancerous cysts.
The majority of ovarian cysts are benign and are functional cysts in that they occur as the result of normal processes within the ovaries. Other types of non-cancerous cysts include cystadenoma cysts, endometrial cysts, and dermoid cysts.
Often a person isn't aware that she has a cyst until it's discovered during a pelvic exam. After discovery of the cyst, a treatment plan is put together from the results of tests. An ultrasound test may be used to ascertain the cyst's shape, size, and location.
The ultrasound test will also determine if the cyst is solid, fluid filled or a combination of both. A special test may be conducted to check for hormone related conditions. A blood test may be used to check for cancerous cysts.
Your doctors diagnosis is the only way to be certain that you have them. Sometimes unsuspecting women will discover to their dismay that they have an ovarian cyst after a checkup. Others discover that their problem is another condition altogether even though they have ovarian cyst type symptoms.
The type and nature of a cyst will determine its most appropriate treatment. A cyst that doesn't cause pain and is small and benign, will require little if any treatment. Birth control pills may be prescribed to repress ovarian cysts by stopping ovulation. They can also diminish the size of existing cysts.
The biggest question on the minds of most women with ovarian cysts is whether or not they're cancerous. Even if benign, ovarian cysts may pose serious health risks if they continue to get larger, or rupture, or proliferate extensively. This is why they must be monitored regularly by a doctor.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

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