Ovarian cyst Kuching Gynae Kuching古晋妇产科 古晋卵巢

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovaries. Most cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and resolve on their own, but some can cause symptoms or complications.

Ovarian cysts are common. They usually occur during the reproductive years, and in many cases, they don’t cause any symptoms or problems. These are usually functional ovarian cysts, which are related to the menstrual cycle.

However, a portion of women may develop non-functional cysts, which can cause symptoms or medical conditions that require treatment.

Different types of ovarian cysts

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• PCOS is a hormonal disorder, not a type of ovarian cyst.

• It causes many small follicles (not true cysts) to develop on the ovaries because they don’t mature properly.

• This hormonal imbalance disrupts ovulation and leads to symptoms like irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, weight gain, and excess hair growth.

• Although these immature follicles appear as “cysts” on ultrasound, they are different from typical ovarian cysts like functional or benign cysts.

Note: PCOS is Not a True Ovarian Cyst

Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms?

• No symptoms (very common)

• Pelvic pain (sharp or dull)

• Bloating or fullness in the abdomen

• Pain during intercourse

• Irregular or missed periods

• Lower back or thigh pain

• Difficulty emptying bladder or frequent urination

What are the consequences of doing nothing?

In many cases, small simple / functional cyst go away on their own. However, some of the cyst can:

• Grow bigger

• Rupture and cause bleeding or severe pain

• Twisted or torsion

• May be cancerous or become cancer

Always consult or follow up with your doctor if a cyst is found or symptoms occur.

When should I see a doctor?

• Severe pelvic pain or sudden sharp pain

• Bloating or fullness that doesn’t improve

• Unexplained changes in your menstrual cycle

• If you suspect a cyst has ruptured (pain, fever, vomiting)

Can I prevent ovarian cyst formation?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent ovarian cyst, but you can lower the risk by:

• Taking hormonal birth control (to prevent ovulation related cysts)

• Managing conditions like endometriosis

Can a blood test detect ovarian cyst?

No, a blood test cannot directly detect a cyst. The most common and effective method for detecting ovarian cysts is an ultrasound scan.

However, some blood tests can assist in further evaluation:

• Ca 125: A tumor marker that may be elevated in ovarian cancer but can also be raised in certain benign conditions, such as endometriosis.

• Hormone level: may be abnormal in hormone producing cyst.

What tests are required if I have an ovarian cyst?

The evaluation may include, but is not limited to, the following tests:

• Pelvic examination

• Ultrasound scan

• Blood test

• CT scan or MRI

Can ovarian cysts affect fertility?

• Most cysts do not affect fertility

• Some, like endometriomas or PCOS, can make it harder to get pregnant

• A doctor can guide treatment if you're trying to conceive

How are ovarian cysts treated?

Treatment depends on each person’s situation and should be decided with a doctor.

• Watch and wait: Most functional cysts go away by themselves.

• Birth control pills: Helps prevent cysts that occur as part of the ovulation cycle. Not all types of cysts are suitable for this treatment.

• Surgery: Needed if the cyst is big, painful, or might be cancer.

Type of ovarian cysts

1. Functional Ovarian Cysts

(Related to the menstrual cycle; usually benign and resolve on their own)

• Follicular Cyst

  • Forms when the follicle doesn’t release an egg

  • Usually painless and disappears on its own

• Corpus Luteum Cyst

  • Forms after egg release

  • May fill with fluid or blood

  • Can cause pain or bleeding

Follicular cyst

Corpus luteum cyst

2. Benign Non-Functional Ovarian Cysts (Not cancer)

(Not part of normal menstrual cycle; may cause symptoms or need treatment)

Chocolate cyst

Dermoid cyst

Serous Cystadenoma

• Benign epithelial cyst - Cystadenoma

  • Fluid-filled cyst from the ovary's outer surface

  • Can be serous (watery) or mucinous (thick mucus)

  • Can grow quite large

• Endometrioma ("Chocolate Cyst")

  • Caused by endometriosis

  • Filled with old, dark blood

  • Often painful, especially during menstruation

• Benign germ cell tumour

  • Example: Dermoid cyst / Mature cystic teratoma

  • Contains hair, fat, or other tissue

  • Usually benign but can grow large

• Benign sex-cord tumour

  • Example: Thecoma / Fibroma

  • Fibroma - from connective tissue, found in older women

    May be associated with Meigs syndrome (fibroma + ascites + pleural effusion)

  • Thecoma - Often produce oestrogen and can cause abnormal uterine bleeding

• Theca-Lutein Cyst

  • Caused by high levels of hCG (e.g., molar pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, fertility treatments)

  • Often resolves on its own when hCG levels fall

  • May cause abdominal discomfort or risk of torsion if large

Theca-lutein cyst

3. Malignant Non-Functional Cysts (Cancer)

• Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

  • Most common type of ovarian cancer

  • Arises from the surface lining of the ovary

  • Often detected at a later stage

• Germ Cell Tumors (some may not be cancer)

  • Examples: Dysgerminoma, Yolk sac tumor, Immature teratoma

  • Arises from the egg-producing cells

  • More common in teens and young women

  • Often treatable with surgery and chemotherapy

• Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors (some may not be cancer)

  • Arise from the tissue that produce hormones

  • May secrete hormones (estrogen or testosterone) causing hormone related symptoms (early puberty, extra hair growth or post menopausal bleeding)

  • Example: Granulosa cell tumor, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer

Contact us

Our clinics runs on appointment basis. Feel free to call us to set up an appointment. We welcome walk-in patients on weekdays, but please be aware that there may be a wait time.

Phone:

+60 82-365 777 (ext: 266)

+6012 594 9938 (WhatsApp only)

Email:

drngysclinic@gmail.com

Clinic hours:

Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30PM

Saturday : 9:00 AM - 12:30PM (appointment & alternate saturday only)

Sunday : close

Address:

Dr Ng Ying Shan,

KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital,

Lot 18807, Block 11 Muara Tebas Land District, Jalan Stutong,

93350 Kuching, Sarawak