Early Symptoms Judgment of Ovarian Cysts

Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on January 07, 2025
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The early symptoms of ovarian cysts include pain in the lower abdomen on one side, which is generally mild, persistent, and tolerable discomfort. However, this pain needs to be differentiated from other conditions. Since the pelvic area contains the uterus and ovaries, sometimes it is necessary to distinguish these symptoms from gastrointestinal diseases. For example, appendicitis often needs to be differentiated from cysts on the right side, as both can cause abdominal pain. However, appendicitis also includes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and during examination, there is tenderness at McBurney's point, indicating appendicitis. On the other hand, the pain from an ovarian cyst is usually positioned slightly lower, and thus can often be differentiated through a gynecological examination.

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Written by Liu Jian Wei
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Is an adnexal cyst the same as an ovarian cyst?

Adnexa clinically refers to the fallopian tubes and ovaries combined, thus, adnexal cysts are not necessarily ovarian cysts. During gynecological ultrasound, these are often reported as cysts in the adnexal area because the proximity of the ovaries and fallopian tubes makes it difficult to conclusively determine if an adnexal cyst is an ovarian cyst. Clinically, cysts in the fallopian tubes are also referred to as cysts in the adnexal area. Distinguishing them often requires surgery to see the exact location of the cyst for identification.

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Written by Li Shun Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can you get pregnant with ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are generally physiological and may affect pregnancy, as physiological ovarian cysts secrete hormones. At this time, there may be abnormal hormone secretion, or the cyst itself may be caused by abnormal follicle development, mainly presenting as follicular cysts. Therefore, if there is a follicular cyst, there is generally no normal ovulation, so pregnancy will not occur. Ovarian cysts can be observed for 2 to 3 months; if they are physiological, they will disappear naturally. If the ovarian cyst has not decreased in size or has increased after 2 to 3 months, it indicates that it is an ovarian tumor, and surgery is required.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How to check for ovarian cysts?

There are two methods for examining ovarian cysts. Firstly, through a gynecological examination, especially in cases of sexual activity, a bimanual examination can be conducted. Under bimanual examination, a mass in one of the adnexal areas can be palpated, where the nature of the mass such as whether its boundaries are clear can be observed, as well as checking for tenderness. This allows for the examination of ovarian cysts. Another method involves an ultrasound. Generally, if performing an abdominal ultrasound, it is necessary to hold urine to view the ovaries clearly. If performing a vaginal ultrasound, especially in cases of sexual activity, this can be chosen; thus, the ultrasound can provide a clearer view. It is closer to the uterus and ovaries, and thus under ultrasound, the masses in the ovaries can be detected. Therefore, both of these methods are viable.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Ovarian cysts have no symptoms

Many ovarian cysts are asymptomatic, generally detected during physical examinations or gynecological assessments, sometimes palpable as masses. An ultrasound can confirm the diagnosis by assessing the size of the mass near the adnexa, as well as the location and characteristics of the cyst. Often after an ultrasound, it may also be necessary to check for ovarian tumor markers. This is because ultrasound may reveal mixed masses that could potentially be malignant. If tumor markers are normal, not elevated, the likelihood of malignancy is low. If an ovarian cyst is discovered, regular check-ups are necessary, typically involving ultrasound examinations as many individuals display no obvious symptoms.

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Written by Xia Hu
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of ovarian cyst carcinogenesis

The main symptom of malignant transformation of ovarian cysts is increased abdominal pain, which generally occurs on one side, including either the left or right side, since the ovaries are present on both sides. If the cyst is unilateral, rapid growth can cause lower abdominal distension and pain. Therefore, when such symptoms aggravate, timely examination is necessary. Initially, a gynecological examination is recommended to assess the boundaries of the ovarian cyst and to palpate its nature and texture. These are essential evaluations. If there is a potential for malignancy, sometimes nodular changes, which may be metastases, can be detected in the posterior cul-de-sac. Subsequently, an ultrasound should be performed, with vaginal ultrasound generally providing greater accuracy.