Types of Ovarian Cysts

Cysts are unwanted growths in the form of fluid filled sacs occurring in or on the ovaries. In some women these may be completely harmless and may require no treatment at all.

On the other hand, some cysts are cancerous. Certain cysts are so small that their presence is hardly visible. Some may be large enough to disturb the menstrual cycle.

Signs and symptoms of cysts include swelling in the abdomen, bleedings in between the two menstrual cycles, pain and cramps in abdomen.

Most common type of cysts formation are functional cysts. These develop due to alternation in the regular functioning of the ovaries. These are of two types- follicular and luteal cysts. When an egg is not released, as it is supposed to every month, and grows larger in size to accumulate fluid inside it is termed as follicular cysts.

When the corpus luteum does not degenerate (which it normally does every month in order to allow periods to start) and fills itself with blood it is called a luteal cyst.

Any abnormal growth in the ovaries may lead to development of cysts. It is not necessary that the unwanted growth will lead to only cancerous cysts. They are generally benign. These include cystadonema cysts, dermatoid cysts and endometrial cyst.

Cystadenoma cysts can be extremely painful not because of their growth but because of their tendency to twist the stem through which they are attached to the ovaries and rupture. They grow from the cells of the outer surface of the ovaries.

Growth of dermatoid cysts is very rare and very mysterious too. Dermatoid cysts are formed due to an unfertilized egg that may grow on its own. It sounds very strange but it can be understood a little by understanding that each egg has the capability to develop into a human. These cysts contain pieces of teeth, hair, bones and skin. Their abnormal multiplication may lead to tumor formation.

Anyone can develop ovarian cysts. But risks are high if you are between the age group of 20 and 35. If your first pregnancy is much delayed or if you smoke, chances to develop cysts are very high.