Endometrioid Ovarian Cyst - Causes, Signs And Symptoms Of An Endometrioid Cyst Of The Left And Right Ovary, Laparoscopy

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 21:43

Causes, signs and symptoms of an endometrioid ovarian cyst

Content:

• Signs and symptoms of an endometrioid cyst
• The causes of the endometrioid cyst
• What is the danger of an endometrioid ovarian cyst?
• Endometrioid cyst of the left and right ovary
• Laparoscopy (removal of the endometrioid cyst)

Among gynecological diseases, the formation of an endometrioid ovarian cyst is quite common. Experts refer most patients with this disease to surgery without the possibility of conservative treatment.

An endometrioid ovarian cyst is a benign cavity filled with brown fluid. Formed on the surface of the ovary or inside it. The cyst has restrictive walls, with the help of which it merges with the walls or cavity of the ovary. The disease is more likely to affect women of reproductive age - from 12 to 50 years.

The size of the cyst, as a rule, does not exceed 12 cm in diameter. In case of untimely treatment, the cavity may increase and grow, which leads to irreparable consequences. A feature of the endometrioid cyst is a partial rupture of the walls, which leads to the release of brown fluid into the woman's abdominal cavity. This causes difficulties in diagnosis, but increases the number of symptoms, which become the reason for referring to gynecologists.

Signs and symptoms of an endometrioid cyst

Symptoms largely depend on the size of the cyst and the degree of its severity. At the initial stage, a woman can observe the following signs of the disease:

• menstruation becomes irregular;
• profuse menstruation;
• bleeding in the middle of the cycle;
• pain after intercourse and during menstruation.

If treatment is not carried out at the initial stage of the disease, then several more signs of a cyst are added to the listed symptoms:

• menstruation lasts more than 7 days;
• weakness, nausea, apathy appears;
• abdominal pain worse;
• body temperature rises;
• disruption of the intestines and urinary system;
• infertility (lack of conception).

The listed symptoms are typical for other types of ovarian cysts, therefore, at the first sign, a specialist consultation is necessary.

The causes of the endometrioid cyst

Unfortunately, the exact cause of the endometrioid cyst has not yet been identified. Doctors suggest that the formation of a cavity is facilitated by retrograde menstruation, in which endometrial cells merge with the blood, fixing on the ovary. The introduction of these cells occurs as a result of surgical interventions in the reproductive organs of a woman:

• gynecological operations;
• diagnostic curettage;
• medical abortion;
• diathermocoagulation of the cervix.

Other experts hypothesize that the cyst is formed with genetic defects, replacement of embryonic tissue and impaired functioning of the immune system. In this case, the causes of the disease will be the following:

• lowered progesterone levels;
• increased prolactin levels;
• violation of the functionality of the thyroid gland and adrenal cortex.

The following factors provoke the appearance and growth of a cyst:

• psychological stress;
• use of an intrauterine device for a long time;
• violation of the functionality of the liver;
• endometritis;
• obesity;
• unfavorable ecology and bad habits.

What is the danger of an endometrioid ovarian cyst?

1. Endometrioid cyst rupture. When the cavity reaches a large size, it bursts and fluid enters the abdominal cavity, which threatens peritonitis.
2. Violation of the functionality of other organs. When the cyst grows in size, it begins to squeeze adjacent organs, disrupting their work. For this reason, a woman is at risk of infertility.
3. Gynecological diseases. In the presence of a cyst in a woman's body, not only the ovary suffers, but also other organs. Often, the cavity becomes the cause of endometriosis, inflammation and the rapid development of infection.

4. Twisting the leg. An endometrioid cyst can have long legs, which, when they reach a certain size, twist, blocking the access of blood to the ovary. As a result, tissue necrosis occurs, which leads to the complete removal of the ovary along with the cyst.
5. Malignant education. An endometrioid cyst is a common cause of ovarian cancer. If the cavity is in the woman's body for a long time, grows, but does not burst, then a tumor may appear on the ovary, which is dangerous for the patient's life.

Endometrioid cyst of the left and right ovary

If an endometrioid cyst forms on the left ovary, then the woman feels pain on the left side. There is discomfort after intercourse, during menstruation, and even when urinating. On palpation, the pain intensifies, brown or bloody discharge may begin.

According to statistics, the right ovary is more susceptible to the formation of an endometrioid cyst than the left. This is explained by a tendency to disease, weakened walls and sometimes, underdevelopment. The cyst on the right side has similar symptoms, but often does not manifest itself at all. Therefore, it is so important to undergo a regular medical examination by a gynecologist in order to capture the disease at the initial stage.

With regard to treatment, the left and right ovaries undergo the same conservative treatment or surgery.

Laparoscopy (removal of the endometrioid ovarian cyst)

Today, laparoscopy is the most effective and safe method of surgical intervention for removing neoplasms. During the procedure, the woman is under general anesthesia, the doctors make three incisions. A small laser is inserted into them, which completely removes the cyst.

Laparoscopy is popular because it leaves small scars that heal quickly enough. In addition, the procedure is safe, there is practically no risk of bleeding. After the operation, a woman can return to her business in 2 weeks.

The author of the article: Lapikova Valentina Vladimirovna | Gynecologist, reproductologist

Education: Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology received at the Russian State Medical University of the Federal Agency for Healthcare and Social Development (2010). In 2013 completed postgraduate studies at N. N. N. I. Pirogova.