How to Diagnose Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovary. Cysts on the ovaries are actually quite normal, but certain cysts, known as corpus luteum cysts, do not dissolve naturally and can grow quite large. Most ovarian cysts do not have any symptoms, so most are discovered during a routine exam.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Doctor or gynecologist

Look for Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

1. Know that most women never experience any symptoms while they have ovarian cysts. If you do experience any outward signs or problems, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.
2. Keep track of your menstrual cycle. If you often experience irregular or painful periods, you should see a doctor. This is usually one of the first signs of an underlying problem.
3. Look for pressure or pain in the abdomen. As ovarian cysts grow larger, many women complain feeling a fullness or heaviness.
4. See a doctor immediately if you experience any sudden pelvic pain or have any pain accompanied by fever or vomiting.

Diagnose Ovarian Cysts in Women

5. Schedule an annual pelvic exam. Ovarian cysts are usually found through these routine check-ups. It is still a good idea to pay attention to your body and any unusual changes throughout the year.
6. Your doctor will look at the size, shape and composition of the cyst in order to diagnose it properly. Fluid-filled cysts are unlikely to be cancerous. Solid cysts need further tests to determine if they may be cancerous.
7. Have your doctor perform an ultrasound. While some gynecologists include an ultrasound during the annual check-up, you may have to specially request it. The ultrasound can usually show growths, and help the doctor diagnose the composition of the cysts.
8. Anticipate a laparoscopy, where a small scope is inserted through an incision below your navel. Your doctor should be able to diagnose and remove most cysts with this procedure.
9. Ask your doctor what type of cyst you have. Cystadenomas and dermoid cysts are less common, but can grow quite large and cause a painful twisting of the ovaries.

Tips & Warnings

• Ovarian cysts are almost never associated with ovarian, or other forms of cancer. Still, they should be removed to avoid discomfort.
• A blood test can test for the cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), which is elevated in women with ovarian cancer. This can help calm worries when cysts are initially found. Elevated CA 125 levels can also indicate other conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

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