Common Methods To Diagnose Ovarian Cysts

Yearly pelvic exams can detect potential problems for women that in some cases can be life threatening. Early detection of conditions like ovarian cancer is critical for health and well-being, particularly in women over 50 years of age. Women over 50, going through menopause, are subject to an increased risk. Regular pelvic exam by a physician can save lives.

Ovarian cysts are commonly found in routine pelvic exam. When your physician detects the cysts, she or he probably recommends more tests to make sure they are not malignant.

Ultrasound is another common way to find cyst on the ovaries. The technique utilizes sound waves in identifying the cysts. It provides information about the location, shape, and size of the cyst. Besides, it can be used to determine whether the cyst is solid, contains fluid, or is a combination of these two.

Some cysts are hormone related, so hormone testing may be done. Abnormal hormone levels, such as estrogen, provide information as to the cause and origin of the cyst.

If a woman is over 35 years old and has solid cysts, or she is in a high risk group of having ovarian cancer, CA-125 test can be used. Even though the test is used to determine ovarian cancer, other tests are needed to confirm the results.

Some of the most typical ovarian cysts symptoms include pain in the pelvis and abdomen areas, painful sexual intercourse, abnormal bleeding or heavy periods, difficulties to urinate, and increased hair growth. While most symptoms are rather harmless, there are also symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

If you feel dizziness or faint, or the pain is very intense you should immediately contact to your doctor. Also increased temperature with pain and vomiting are symptoms that require medical attention.

Nevertheless, most ovarian cysts don't cause symptoms at all and they disappear spontaneously. Cysts that occur during childbearing years are normally non-malignant. However, when a woman past her menopausal years she has an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

If demonstrating any of the major symptoms of ovarian cyst such as sudden or severe abdominal pain, feeling faint, dizzy or weak or with increased respiration rate, temperature or vomiting it is important to seek further and more specific diagnoses.

If a cyst is present a physician may recommend waiting to see if it disappears on its own. If surgery is necessary, the procedure is a simple one that involves a laparoscopy exam which involves insertion of a small scope through the abdominal wall to remove the cyst. Larger cysts are removed using a laparotomy which requires larger incisions in the abdominal area.