Functional Ovarian Cysts

Question 1

What do functional ovarian cysts consist of?

Answer 1

-Follicular cysts and luteal cysts

Question 2

What are follicular cysts?

Answer 2

-Follicle has failed to rupture and filled with more fluid instead, these can be several cm in diameter

Question 3

What are follicular cysts associated with?

Answer 3

PCOS

Question 4

When do luteal cysts occur?

Answer 4

When the follicle ruptures to release the egg but then seals up and swells with fluid

Question 5

Presentation of functional ovarian cysts?

Answer 5

• May be completely asymptomatic
• If cysts were v big they would cause pelvic pain or bladder/bowel symptoms but it is rare for functional cysts to grow this big

Question 6

What can happen to cause an acute abdomen from ovarian cysts?

Answer 6

Rupture
Torsion
Haemorrhage

Question 7

What happens in acute ovarian cyst torsion?

Answer 7

Necrosis of the cysts resulting in acute pain and vomiting followed by remission of the pain when the tumour has become necrotic

Question 8

What happens in cyst rupture?

Answer 8

Contents of cysts spills into peritoneal cavity and results in generalized abdomen pain

Question 9

Management of ovarian cysts?

Answer 9

• Asymptomatic= Watchful waiting

- Symptomatic: Surgical removal